1Superconducting materials and their application technology, aiming for the ultimate energy saving technology
1）Development of high-Tc superconductors (Final Goal: room-temperature superconductor)
Superconducting phenomena show completely zero electrical resistance below Tc (= superconducting transition temperature). Material that exhibit superconductivity is called superconductors. Superconductors have attractive characteristics, but Tc is low. It is necessary for practical applications of superconducting materials to develop high-Tc （Room temperature）superconductors.
Recent outcomes
■ Developed new superconductors: >70
■ (Ex.) developed superconductors,
・Ca-Free Cuprate (ex. Sr₂SrCu₂O4(O,F)₂)Tc = 107K
・1144 type structure (ex. CaKFe₄As₄)Tc = 35K
Current research
■ Challenge to develop new high-Ts superconductors with new ideas
• New composition containing light elements in constituent elements
• Achievement of superconductivity of magnetic materials
2）Research on superconducting application products
Based on our experience in developing superconducting bulk and wire for NMR applications and Superconducting motor, we are currently working on the development and new products.
Ex.1): Superconducting Bulk Magnet for small-size NMR
Development of ultra small NMR system (approx. 1/10) using "superconducting bulk magnets" and "air-cooled refrigerators"
Ex. 2): Superconducting Induction & synchronous motor
Reduction of CO₂ emissions from transport equipment using superconducting induction synchronous motor
2Advanced technologies for mobility (CASE)
We "see" various things in our daily lives through light. However, there is also light that we cannot perceive, meaning it is invisible to our eyes. Recently, there has been progress in the development of mobility that utilizes this invisible light, with applications expected in features such as collision prevention. We are exploring new possibilities for mobility through research on sensors that can detect this invisible light, aiming to develop in-vehicle sensors that improve safety and comfort.
1）Invisible light detection technology : Diffraction grating-type SPR infrared spectroscopic sensor
The IMRA Japan sensor consists of a diffraction grating (periodic groove) on a silicon substrate and a thin film of gold on top of it. This diffraction grating structure causes a physical phenomenon known as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) when light with a specific wavelength at a specific angle is incident, resulting in the generation of an electric current. By utilizing this phenomenon, the wavelength component of the incoming light can be determined through the incident angle and the generated current value (spectroscopy). Normally, silicon cannot detect infrared light, but our diffraction grating structure with a gold thin film enables the detection of infrared light by utilizing the SPR phenomenon. This research and development of “Technology for detecting infrared light and analyzing wavelengths" will contribute to the development of in-vehicle sensors that see invisible light.
Operating principle
