Kohki Okabe

Elucidation of thermal signaling mechanisms through heat measurement in living cells

Researcher

Kohki Okabe

Outline

This research investigates the thermal signaling mechanisms of biological cells, in which temperature change in nanometer spaces in cells serves as a driving force of cellular functions. First, we will determine the thermodynamic properties of living cells using our original methodologies for measuring intercellular temperature and heat in cells. Next, we will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of maintenance and utilization of intercellular heat. Lastly, we will examine the effect of nanoscale thermodynamic characteristics on macroscale thermal signaling.

Norihiko Okamoto

Development of novel thermal switching devices functioning via electrochemical intercalation reaction

Researcher

Norihiko Okamoto

Outline

In this project, I will develop a novel thermal switching system that reversibly functions via voltage control without mechanical drive parts. The system utilizes electrochemical intercalation/de-intercalation reactions of guest atoms within guest-host type inclusion compounds as observed in electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Achievements of the project will open a new pathway for realizing an energy-saving society by enabling optimal transfer and redistribution of the vast quantities of waste heat from vehicles and industries.

Satoshi Kaneko

Development of a thermometry technique for a single molecule aiming at molecular devices

Researcher

Satoshi Kaneko

Outline

Single-molecule junctions have attracted wide attention due to their potential application of molecular electronics; however, their thermal transport mechanism has not been completely understood. The objective of this study is to develop a thermometry technique for a single-molecule junction based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Herein, by combining the results obtained from current-voltage response, SERS, and thermopower, I investigate the thermal properties of the single-molecule junction and aim to develop innovative molecular devices.

Jun Kikkawa

Electron spectroscopic imaging for nanoscale phonon transports

Researcher

Jun Kikkawa

Outline

This research is aimed at establishing a fundamental technology for measuring and visualizing the dispersion relations and transport properties of phonons with a spatial resolution of less than 10 nanometers. Advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy with a good balance among spatial, energy and momentum resolutions at a high level is applied for phonon measurements. Although studies on nanoscale phonon properties have relayed on predictions using numeric calculations, the fundamental technology obtained in this research enables us to observe their actual properties.

Takehito Suzuki

Transparent materials with an extremely wide range of refractive indices for active control devices of thermal radiation

Researcher

Takehito Suzuki

Outline

I have produced transparent materials with zero reflectance and a wide range of refractive indices such as an extremely high refractive index greater than 10 and a refractive index of zero. This study develops an understanding of principles of the transparent materials with the unprecedented refractive indices. This study will also produce the materials in the infrared region and aim at active control of the material properties. The materials will be applied to devices for active control of thermal radiation such as selectivity of time, switching, directivity, and arbitrarily phases for the reuse of thermal radiation.

Hideyuki Takahashi

The control of magnon heat transport using high-frequency electron spin resonance technique

Researcher

Hideyuki Takahashi

Outline

Although heat transport in materials is typically mediated by phonons and electrons, the collective excitation of the spin degree of freedom “magnons” can also carry heat. In particular, magnons in low-dimensional magnetic materials are attractive because of its large contribution to the thermal conductivity and unusual dynamics originating from distinctive spin structures. The aim of this research is to understand and control the magnon heat transport by using advanced electron spin resonance technique from microwave to terahertz region. The achievements of this research will lead to new techniques and devices to control the heat propagation in solids.

Nobuaki Terakado

Creation of materials with tunable thermal conductivity using spin thermal conduction

Researcher

Nobuaki Terakado

Outline

Thermal conductivity and interfacial resistance dominate heat flow in solids. In this research, I aim to change these values by application of an electric field and control the heat flow and its direction actively and spatio-temporally. To achieve that, I focus on spin thermal conductivity materials and composites and attempt to fabricate novel thermal management materials with the tunable thermal conductivity that contribute to high stability of electronic devices and effective reuse of heat.

Shunta Harada

Control of heat conduction at room temperature by natural superlattice phononic crystal

Researcher

Shunta Harada

Outline

Recently, control of heat transport at cryogenic temperature using wave nature of phonon was demonstrated by phononic crystal made by microfabrication technology. In this project, we will develop materials for controlling heat transport at room temperature. We aim to demonstrate the control of heat transport at room temperature by titanium oxide natural superlattice which has periodic structure with high perfection and tenability as a material for suppressing heat transport of high frequency thermal phonons.

Yoichi Murakami

Elucidations of thermal modes of covalent organic frameworks and investigations for the thermal applications

Researcher

Yoichi Murakami

Outline

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous materials that possess significantly high degree of freedom in the structural design and high potential as a future material. This research synthesizes COFs and carries out the structural and thermal mode analyses to acquire fundamental understandings related to the heat transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, this research pursues creations of novel heat transfer controlling materials whose functions cannot be achieved with conventional materials.