Yoshihiro Iwasa（Deputy Director, Center for Emergent Matter Science, RIKEN）

The objective of this research area is to establish basic science and develop fundamental technologies for electronic devices based on various nano materials, including two-dimensional (2D) materials. Recently, van der Waals materials such as nanotubes and 2D materials are expected to be core materials for advanced semiconductor devices. Also, their applications to various functions such as sensors, optical devices, and spintronics devices are rapidly growing. On the other hand, the devices of 2D materials have led to the discovery of numerous quantum phenomena that cannot be realized with bulk materials, causing a significant impact in materials science. Using nano materials and their devices, we develop the fundamentals for the cutting-edge electronics, explore new physical sciences, and create new device principles. Through these efforts, we aim to realize new functions and high-performance devices that can be achieved only with nano materials.
The target materials include all kinds of nano materials with electronic functions, such as thin films and interfaces, and not limited to Van der Waals materials. Using interdisciplinary approaches that combine physics, chemistry, material science, and electronic engineering, the research aims to establish highly original basic science and fundamental technologies for utilizing nanomaterials.