Research and Education Center for Atomic Sciences (as of April 1, 2025)
| Director｜Kazuaki Iwasa |
| Deputy Director｜Kenji Ohoyama |
| Office Staffs｜Kouju Gunji, Keiko Sugiyama, Kimiko Suzuki |
| Division for Collaborative Solution of Social / Regional Issues | Applied Atomic Science Division | Advanced Reactor Research Division | Radiation Safety Division | |
| Function | Planning research plan of RECAS and management of joint research | Study of quantum beam, materials, and basic sciences | Study of next-generation nuclear reactors, energy sources | Study of radiation effect to living organisms and environment |
| Division Head | Munetoshi Sakai | Akinori Hoshikawa | Nobuatsu Tanaka | Yuji Torikai |
| Permanent-Full Faculty Permanent Faculty Concurrent Faculty URA | Munetoshi Sakai Kazuaki Iwasa Teruhiko Kugo Etsuo Ishitsuka Hideo HARADA | Kazuaki Iwasa Akinori Hoshikawa Tomoki Maeda Kenji Ohoyama Shigeo Sato Souichiro Nishino Hiromi Iinuma Keitaro Kuwahara Teruyuki Ikeda Makoto Yokoyama Takehito Nakano | Nobuatsu Tanaka Kunihito Matsumura Tsuyoshi Nishi Seiji Mori Etsuo Ishitsuka Teruhiko Kugo Keisuke Yagi Kazuhiko Yamasaki Kotaro Mori Kenji Iwase Takatoshi Nagano | Hiroshi Tauchi Asako Nakamura Yuji Torikai Yasuhito Shomura Masaki Unno Takahide Yamaguchi Yui Obata |
| Cooperation field | Material analysis and development Quantum beam applications | Next-generation nuclear reactors Fusion reactor | Radiation safety Radiological medicine |
Introduction of RECAS Member
Kazuaki Iwasa
Numerous atoms and electrons present in materials exhibit unique physical properties such as magnetism and superconductivity, and discovery of new phenomena and phase states has potential to pave a way to future material functions. I am pursuing structural condensed matter physics, which focuses on spontaneous formation of new electronic states, such as higher-order electronic multipoles than well-known states such as monopole charge (positive or negative) and dipole...
Kenji Ohoyama
The performance of materials such as semiconductors is controlled by adding foreign elements (doping). For example, typical silicon semiconductors can achieve practical performance by doping with just 0.000001% phosphorus or boron. The Oyama Laboratory was the first in the world to achieve "white neutron holography" at J-PARC, a method for directly visualizing the effect of minute amounts of doping on the lattice of the parent material. Through holography...
Munetoshi Sakai
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
In the flow research and NEDO projects in KAST, we played the role of "intellectual property management and research strategy formulation" while practicing the "launch customer model," which led to "technology transfer" of research results in the fields of "mechanical engineering" and "materials and chemistry," which began from the basic research stage. In recent years, we have been focusing on nurturing researchers who can be active...
Akinori Hoshikawa
We are investigating the relationship between material properties and microstructural data obtained through quantum beams, mainly X-rays and neutrons. Our research focuses on the microstructural characteristics of various materials, including clathrate hydrates like methane hydrate, as well as oxide ceramics and plastics. Simultaneously, we are developing automatic control systems needed for these measurements and analyses.
Nobuatsu Tanaka
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We have developed the original multiphase flow (solid, liquid, and gas) analysis code "CRIMSON" and the fluid particle method code "PARTITA" using massively parallel processing. Using "CRIMSON," we are working on the GTIE GAP Fund 2024 project "Concept verification of digital twin technology to contribute to the advancement of nuclear power plant decommissioning processes and the improvement of decontamination and core dismantling technologies." ...
Yuji Torikai
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We are conducting research on the safe handling of tritium, a nuclear fusion fuel, as well as elucidating the migration pathway of tritium released into the environment into the living space and methods for analyzing environmental tritium. As part of this, we are conducting safety checks on fish and shellfish landed at ports in Fukushima Prefecture at the request of a retail industry association in Fukushima Prefecture, in order to confirm the safety of releasing ALPS-treated ...
Hiromi Iinuma
We are conducting experiments to explore physics beyond the Standard Model, namely the violation of time-reversal symmetry, at the muon beamline at J-PARC (Tokai Village). When the elementary particle muon is placed in a uniform magnetic field, it exhibits a spin-top-like motion known as spin precession. This rotation period is sensitive to the search for physics beyond the Standard Model and the electric dipole moment (EDM). The EDM is a physical quantity that suggests...
Tsuyoshi Nishi
In severe accident analysis of nuclear power plants and fast reactors, it is essential to understand the properties of the molten mixture of control rod material (boron carbide) and reactor structural material (stainless steel) that melts in the reactor core. Viscosity, in particular, is considered to be the most important physical property. To systematically obtain the viscosity of such molten mixtures, we are conducting high-precision viscosity measurements using ...
Asako Nakamura
Our DNA is constantly damaged by ultraviolet rays from the sun, cosmic radiation from space, and even stress. Cells have mechanisms to repair DNA damage, but when a large amount of DNA damage occurs and exceeds the capacity of the repair mechanism, the repair cannot be completed, leading to cellular aging and carcinogenesis. Our laboratory uses techniques to visualize DNA damage to study the mechanisms by which radiation-induced DNA damage causes cellular aging,...
Shigeo Sato
Metallic materials are the foundation of the competitiveness of downstream industries such as automobiles, electronics, and precision machinery, and determine Japan's international presence. As demand for further improvements in a variety of functional properties, such as strength, ductility, magnetism, and conductivity, is growing, it is essential to develop innovative materials that focus on the microstructure, which is the origin of these properties....
Seiji Mori
In our physical organic chemistry laboratory, we utilize theoretical and computational chemistry methods to pursue research centered on two main themes:
1. Fundamental studies aimed at elucidating the functions of organic compounds and enzymes in biological systems
2. Mechanistic analysis of highly selective catalytic reactions, leading to the design of novel reactions, materials, and catalysts based on these insights...
Hiroshi Tauchi
I specialize in radiation biology and molecular biology, and conduct research on the mechanisms by which DNA damage caused by radiation and other factors is repaired in mammalian cells, as well as on the mechanisms underlying the induction of somatic mutations by low-dose or low dose-rate radiation. I am also engaged in basic research aimed at applying knowledge of DNA repair mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy.
Tomoki Maeda
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We are conducting structural analysis of polymer materials using quantum beams (neutrons, X-rays, and electron beams). Based on feedback from structural analysis, we aim to improve the functionality of polymer materials. In particular, our research theme is controlling the structure and physical properties of nanocomposite materials (materials in which nano-dispersed materials are combined with polymer materials).
Etsuo Ishitsuka
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
I am exploring safe and beneficial ways to use radiation. My work includes the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, such as fusion reactors, and the production of medical radioisotopes used in hospitals. These new types of reactors are important because they can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are becoming less reliable due to global challenges. As technologies like AI continue to grow, the electricity demand will also increase. That’s why we need cleaner and...
Yasuhito Shomura
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory is engaged in life science research, including the elucidation of the structure-function relationships of biocatalysts (enzymes), such as [NiFe]-hydrogenases and Mn-catalase, using synchrotron radiation and neutrons. We are also advancing our research in order to connect these findings to industrial applications.
Takehito Nakano
We are creating new correlated electron systems using the arrayed nanospace of porous crystals, developing novel carbon network materials, and researching magnetism derived from oxygen molecules. By conducting experiments on these new materials using spectroscopy, magnetism, and electron spin resonance, as well as quantum beams such as muons, neutrons, and synchrotron radiation, we aim to unravel the mysteries of the physics of many-body electron systems...
Teruhiko Kugo
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We work on the design research of new types of future nuclear reactors in order to ensure energy supply and expand the use of nuclear energy. As an example, we will conduct design research of a micro reactor with a view to its use in space. To expand the scope of applications of nuclear science, we will conduct research on effective utilization of elements separated from high-level radioactive waste.
Takahide Yamaguchi
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Metalloenzymes are biocatalysts that contain metal ions inside proteins and utilize their properties to promote chemical reactions. The activity of metal ions is finely controlled by unique molecular environments of proteins, enabling highly sensitive molecular recognition and catalytic reactions that efficiency is often beyond conventional enzymes or artificial catalysts. Our group is dedicated to uncovering their mechanisms of metalloenzymes and exploring the potential...
Keitaro Kuwahara
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We are experimentally investigating the magnetic properties and structures of materials called strongly correlated electron systems, such as rare earth and actinide compounds, mainly using neutron and X-ray scattering techniques.
Kunihito Matsumura
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
We are conducting research into "thermal fluid flow" in the nuclear field. We are conducting research into heat removal from nuclear reactors, focusing on mixed gas and liquid flows (gas-liquid two-phase flows), as well as the complex phenomena involving heat and fluids that may occur during severe accidents. With the transition to a carbon-neutral society in mind, we are also interested in and conducting research into the control of gas and liquid flow fields.
Masaki Unno
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory uses X-rays and neutrons to elucidate the structure and function of important proteins in living organisms at the atomic level, unraveling the mysteries of life. Our current main themes are as follows:
1. Research into the oxygen-binding mechanism of oxygen-carrying proteins in opportunistic bacteria
2. Structural biological analysis of proteins abundantly expressed in hair cuticle cells
3. Elucidation at the atomic...
Souichiro Nishino
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory is conducting research and development of new processing technologies (mainly plastic processing) and joining technologies that correspond to the multi-materialization of structural materials, and is supporting product development using quantum beams (X-rays, synchrotron radiation, and neutrons) through joint research with companies. We are also investigating the impact that the processing and joining of various structural materials ...
Takatoshi Nagano
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
In order to put nuclear fusion energy into practical use, we are conducting research on laser light reflecting mirrors to understand the inside of the "ITER" reactor as part of a joint research and experiment project conducted by various countries around the world. Because the mirrors will be exposed to the harsh environment of the nuclear fusion reaction and must be able to reflect laser light well, the use of a stainless steel substrate coated with a precious metal film is being ...
Yui Obata
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
From the perspectives of radiation chemistry and biology, we are studying the mechanisms of DNA damage caused by radiation and radioactive materials and the intracellular repair response to it. In recent years, we have also been working on research aimed at elucidating the isotope effects in the incorporation process of hydrogen isotopes in living organisms and the production process of organically bound tritium (OBT).
Teruyuki Ikeda
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Materials play a crucial role, supporting the foundations of various structures, machines, and devices and providing their functions. Materials research is to change or understand their fundamentals. I believe that there are infinite possibilities with things that "materials" can achieve. We are researching the relationship between the structure and various properties of materials, as well as the process of fabricating materials with controlled structure/properties. We hope that...
Kazuhiko Yamasaki
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory conducts research every day to contribute to the development of new laser processing technologies. The keywords of our research are microfabrication and manufacturing using laser light. Currently, as part of our research and development into new laser processing technologies, we are conducting research into microfabrication of metals and other materials using an Nd:YAG laser and its applications, as well as laser sintering technology for metal...
Kenji Iwase
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory conducts research focusing on the correlation between atomic arrangement (crystal structure) and material properties. Students can choose one of two research themes: 1) Structural research on hydrogen storage alloys 2) Research on improving the properties of lightweight aluminum alloys through ECAP processing In both themes, we will conduct basic research by consistently conducting alloy production, property evaluation, and structural analysis. ...
Makoto Yokoyama
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our research group has employed a combination of macroscopic and microscopic probes to investigate the nature of quantum phenomena in intermetallic compounds. Microscopic measurement techniques provide detailed insights into novel quantum effects, while macroscopic investigations—such as specific heat and magnetization measurements—reveal their thermodynamic properties. Our work addresses key challenges in the physics of strongly correlated electron...
Kotaro Mori
｜Research ｜｜BIO｜｜My_Labo｜
Our laboratory uses a combination of experiments, theory, and numerical simulations based on the mechanics of materials to design, fabricate, and evaluate the properties of materials and devices. In particular, we are researching a variety of materials, including smart materials capable of energy conversion and composite materials combining multiple materials. Research Example 1: Development of functional screws using magnetostrictive materials ...
Keisuke Yagi
Based on control engineering, we are conducting research on the motion control of humans, living organisms, and robots. Specifically, we are developing new wearable devices that can analyze familiar movements such as walking from the perspective of the softness of movement, as well as an underwater robot that incorporates the characteristics of an aquatic organism (pistol shrimp).