Naoya Aizawa

Controlling Excited-State Fluctuations for Next-Generation OLED Materials

Grant No.：JPMJCR2541

Research Director : Naoya Aizawa

Collaborator

Seiichiro Izawa	Associate Professor Institute of Integrated Research Institute of Science Tokyo
Tsubasa Okamoto	Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences University of Tsukuba
Yu Harabuchi	Specially Appointed Professor Institute of Integrated Innovation Hokkaido University

Outline

Structural fluctuations on the potential energy surface of the excited state are critical factors that determine the photophysical and photochemical properties of organic molecules. In this project, we aim to control such fluctuations by employing machine learning potentials for excited states. Through the integration of theoretical modeling, material synthesis, characterization, and device applications, we develop next-generation, rare-metal-free organic light-emitting diodes, thereby contributing to the realization of a more sustainable society.

Tomoyuki Akutagawa

Nonlinear Response through Chemical Control of Ion and Molecular Fluctuations

Grant No.：JPMJCR2542

Research Director : Tomoyuki Akutagawa

Collaborator

Takuya Kurihara	Assistant Professor Institute of Science and Engineering Kanazawa University
Takuya Taniguchi	Associate Professor Center for Data Science Waseda University
Ryo Tsunashima	Professor Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation Yamaguchi University
Tomoya Fukui	Assistant Professor Institute of Integrated Research Institute of Science Tokyo

Outline

By designing and controlling the fluctuations of ions and molecular orientation within molecular assemblies such as liquid crystals and plastic crystals, we realize nonlinear responses such as multiple hysteresis between electric field and polarization, multiple memristor responses. We propose a material design approach that freely manipulates response functions characterizing the output nonlinearity of frequency, temperature, coercive electric field, residual polarization, etc., through “chemical control of fluctuation interactions” via ion displacement, chirality introduction, and conformational changes.

Hiroshi Kageyama

Shallow-Potential–Based Design and Functional Exploration of Polar Materials

Grant No.：JPMJCR2543

Research Director : Hiroshi Kageyama

Collaborator

Hiroshi Kumigashira	Professor Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials Tohoku University
Kenta Hongo	Professor Center for Advanced Scientific Computing Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Tatsuya Yanagisawa	Professor Graduate School of Science Hokkaido University

Outline

Ferroelectrics and other polar inorganic materials have long underpinned the semiconductor industry, but the field now needs fresh design rules. We propose to harness the easy switching between states enabled by shallow potential-energy landscapes—i.e. intrinsic fluctuations. We focus on two guiding principles: (1) local symmetry mismatch introduced by molecular ions, and (2) deliberate competition between polar and non-polar phases. Using these principles, we will create new polar inorganic materials. By leveraging fluctuations, we aim to achieve low-power operation and realise novel, mechanism-driven functionalities, opening new avenues in polar materials science.

Ikufumi Katayama

Visualization and control of ultrafast fluctuations in nanomaterials and devices

Grant No.：JPMJCR2544

Research Director : Ikufumi Katayama

Collaborator

Hidefumi Akiyama	Professor Institute for Solid State Physics The University of Tokyo
Kazuhiro Yanagi	Professor Graduate School of Science Tokyo Metropolitan University

Outline

To harness fluctuations in materials and devices, it is essential to visualize and understand their temporal and spatial waveforms, and to develop methods for controlling them. In this study, we combine real-time terahertz oscilloscope technology with terahertz scanning tunneling microscopy to visualize nanoscale, ultrafast fluctuations. By gaining insight into and controlling these ultrafast fluctuations, we aim to develop devices and materials that offer both high performance and energy efficiency.

Ken-ichi Shimizu

Catalyst development based on the measurement and theorization of the temporal and spatial fluctuations of dynamic metastable active species

Grant No.：JPMJCR2545

Research Director : Ken-ichi Shimizu

Collaborator

Nobutaka Maeda	Associate Professor International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research Kyushu University
Shinya Mine	Researcher Department of Materials and Chemistry National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

Outline

We establish the framework for temporal and spatial fluctuations of active species on catalyst surfaces and apply the framework to innovative catalyst design under non-steady-state conditions. Operando spectroscopy under periodic temperature and concentration fluctuations gives simultaneous measurements of the dynamic behavior of trace active species and catalyst performance. Through modeling using machine learning of vast spectral data and high-speed theoretical calculations, we design material and process parameters that maximize catalyst performance under periodic fluctuations, demonstrating the validity of the framework in the field of catalysis.

Teruaki Hayakawa

Creation of Next-Generation Polymer Insulating Materials through Fluctuation Control

Grant No.：JPMJCR2546

Research Director : Teruaki Hayakawa

Collaborator

Hiroyuki Aoki	Professor Institute of Materials Structure Science High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Ryohei Ishige	Associate professor School of Material Science and Chemical Technology Institute of Science Tokyo
Ryo Yoshida	Professor The Institute of Statistical Mathematics Inter-University Research Institute Corporation Research Organization of Information and Systems

Outline

This project seeks to achieve the concurrent optimization of two intrinsically conflicting properties—dielectric loss and thermal conductivity—through the quantification and deliberate control of fluctuations characteristic of polymers. By integrating molecular design, neutron scattering, spectroscopic analysis, and machine learning, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms governing material responses across the broad frequency range from several tens of gigahertz to the terahertz regime. Leveraging these advanced methodologies, this research will establish a scientific foundation that clarifies how polymer-specific fluctuations dictate high-frequency dielectric and thermal behaviors. Ultimately, we aspire to pioneer the creation of innovative polymer insulating materials that will underpin next-generation communication technologies and AI-driven semiconductor devices.