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Research Center for Functional Materials

Home > Research > Research Center for Functional Materials > Quantum solid state materials group

Quantum solid state materials group

In this group we focus our attention on new materials research, functional development, single crystal growth, structural analysis, and fundamental properties studies of the non-conventional insulator in cooperation with the house and outside collaborators. Our studies aim to supply new engineering materials to particular research fields of non-volatile memory, magnetic sensors, micro-energy conversion, and so on. At the same time, we carry out in part the hub function of NIMS on functional materials development through inorganic bulk synthesis and characterization platform; and also, we are in charge of training and education of the next generation researchers through the NIMS-Hokkaido University Joint Graduate School Program.

Research Outline

Studies of non-conventional insulators

A solid material serving as an electrical insulator, although the band theory is foreseen with metallic, has been generally known as the non-conventional insulator. The insulating state is principally caused by a variety of interactions in a solid and the features are indeed prominent in some of the ceramics. Scientific and engineering studies aiming to use the insulator in practical devices as well as new materials and applications development have been carried out in a variety of research fields such as functional device, nano processing, computational science, and materials theory in wide regional (US, Europe, Japan, China, South Korea, etc.). The common goal is to contribute to the construction of a sustainable society through materials innovation and practical implementation in the information and communication technologies.

Selected research topics

  •  Materials development focusing on the 5d electron’s properties. A general belief is that the stronger the coupling between various properties in a material  (dielectric and conductivity, magnetic and phonon, lattice distortion and magnetic properties, and so on) is, the more advantageous it is in the development of a new functional material. As such, the 5d system may serve as a candidate for a next-generation functional material useful in the areas of information & technology and electronics.
  • Developments of the multiferroic oxides containing such as Co and Mn. Improving the practical properties, in which the magnetic and dielectric properties are strongly coupled, as well as elucidating the mechanism of them. All are aiming innovation of the way realizing the practical sensor and memory device applications.
  • Developing the mixed anion compounds, nitrides, and halides, which contain a variety of transition metal in a non-oxygen and/or non-equivalent coordination environment. These studies aim enhancement of the practical magnetic and electronic properties that lead to the sensor and memory device applications.

Hokkaido University

Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Superconducting Materials Chemistry Laboratory

We are collaborating actively with the Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, to educate and train the graduate students. Please refer to the link for details.

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National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
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