Synchrotron radiation is
highly directional light made from electrons and positrons which have been accelerated by an accelerator nearly to the speed of light. It contains very powerful X-rays with a brightness exceeding more than 100 million times that of medical X-rays.
Since X-rays have a wavelength of about the same length as the size of an atom, they are an excellent means for observing the structures and properties of materials on the atomic scale and nano-scale which are of the quantum world.
Using powerful X-rays produced by an electron accelerator we explore the microstructure of materials of less than one ten millionths of a millimeter.
Pursuit of extreme forms of materials
We elucidate the nature of various substances such as magnetic materials, dielectrics, semiconductors, and intermetallic compounds while also making full use of quantum simulations starting from the atomic level. This connects to the discovery of new physical phenomena to the development of new materials and new devices.
Elucidated chromic acid lead atomic structure by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Contrary to usual materials, there is the possibility for the creation of warm and contracted materials.
Development of environments and energy materials which support life
Using powerful synchrotron X-rays, it is possible to observe the synthesis process of and it can be used to measure the synthesis process of materials on the atomic and molecular level. Taking advantage of this feature, we are continuing the development of materials such as hydrogen storage materials, ultra-high-efficiency solar cells and energy-saving electronic devices which suppress global warming and can help solve the energy problem.
Semiconductor nanowire and its X-ray diffraction pattern in which novel functions based on quantum effects are expected.