Research  1. Research Project  2. Publication List  3. Apparatus  4. Acceptable Research Projects 1. Research Project Murakami ・Sophisticated utilization of natural porous materials such as diatomite and zeolite Natural porous materials such as diatomite and zeolite are main products of Northeast Japan.   This research aims to open up a new avenue of utility of these materials.   We have developed silicon metal and fine-particle silicon carbide powders from diatomite.   Their absorbent properties are very useful as emergency protection against neutrons. Saito ・Development of novel nano-scale magnetic imaging methods and their application to advanced magnetic materials and devices We have developed 1) novel nano-scale magnetic imaging methods such as alternating magnetic force microscopy, which enables measurement of the amplitude and polarity of an AC magnetic field with a wide frequency region, and near-field magnetic force microscopy, which enables measurement of the amplitude and direction of a DC magnetic field near the sample surface and 2) high spatial resolution magnetic sensors for these measurements.   We have also applied these methods to advanced magnetic materials and devices to improve their magnetic properties. Outline of research condacted by Saito Yoshimura ・Fabrication of thin films with high quality by using plasma irradiation during sputter deposition To obtain high-performance thin film devices, a new process for fabrication of highly functional thin films with high quality under conditions adaptable to manufacturing technology is needed.   We have developed a new sputtering process to fabricate high-quality films at low manufacturing temperature using plasma irradiation during sputter deposition. Outline of Yoshimura group Hayashi ・Macro/Microstructural control of ceramics prepared by electrophoretic deposition method Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is one of the ceramic processing methods for ceramic coating and free standing films, in which ceramic particles are deposited on an electrode (substrate) as a thick film by an applied electric field.   Various aspects of the EPD process, from basic science to the development of applications, are being investigated. ・Preparation of materials for environmental coordination from natural raw materials by ceramic processing techniques Materials for environmental coordination are being developed mainly from natural zeolite by various ceramic processing techniques such as electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and geopolymer reaction. Outline of research condacted by Hayashi Top↑ 2. Publication List Murakami, H., Odano, N., Sawada, K., Ohnishi, S., Konnai, A., Kobayashi, Y., Ohshima, H. and Okuta, H. (2005): The use of microporous siliceous shale and zeolite for high-performance radiation shielding materials, ICMR2005AKITA, Akita, Japan. Murakami, H., Kimata, M., Shimoda, S., Ito E. and Sasaki, S. (1992): Solubility of CaMgSi3O8 and Si4O8 endmembers in anorthite, Jour. Min. Pet. Econ. Geol., 87, 491-509. Murakami, H., Kimata M. and Shimoda, S. (1991): Native copper included by anorthite from the island of Miyakejima: implications for arc magmatism, Jour. Min. Pet. Econ. Geol., 86, 364-374, 1991. Saito, H., Lu, W., Hatakeyama, K., Egawa, G. and Yoshimura, S. (2010): High frequency magnetic field imaging by frequency modulated magnetic force microscopy, Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 107, p. 09D309. Saito, H., Ikeya, H., Egawa, G., Ishio, S. and Yoshimura, S. (2009): Magnetic force microscopy of alternating magnetic field gradient by frequency modulation of tip oscillation, Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 105, p. 07D524. Saito, H., Egawa, G., Ishio, S. and Li, G. Q. (2008): Magnetic force microscopy imaging of in-plane magnetic field gradient using transient oscillation, J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 103, pp. 07D921-3 (2008). Yoshimura, S., Kobayashi, H., Egawa, G., Saito, H. and Ishida, S. (2011): Acceleration of ordering transformation of a new Fe2(Mn,Cr)Si Heusler-alloy film by VHF plasma irradiation process during RF sputter deposition”,  Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 109 (in press). Yoshimura, S., Omiya, S., Egawa, G., Saito, H. and Bai, J. (2011): Control of magnetic anisotropy field of (001) oriented L10-Fe(PdxPt1-x) films for MRAM application”,  Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Vol. 266, No. 1, p. 012114. Yoshimura, S., Asano, H., Nakamura, Y., Yamaji, K., Takeda, Y., Matsui, M., Ishida, S., Nozaki, Y. and Matsuyama, K.. (2008): Crystalline structure and magnetic property of Fe2CrSi Heusler alloy films - New ferromagnetic material for high performance MRAM -,  Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 103, p.07D716. Hayashi, S., Onoe, J., Ebina, K. and Kodama, N. (2009): Electrophoretic Deposition/Inf iltration of Natural Zeolite Particles on/into Various Substrates,  Key Enginee ring Materials, Vol. 412, p. 119-23. Jha, V.K. and Hayashi, S. (2009): Modification on Natural Clinoptilolite Zeolite for Its NH4+ Retention Capacity.  J. Hazardous Mater., Vol. 169, p.29-35. Hayashi, S., Sato, C. and Nakagawa, Z. (2006): Effect of Different Electrode Material s on Electrophoretic Depositional Behavior of Yttria-stabilized Zirconia Powde r,  J. Mater. Sci., Vol. 41, p. 8068-73. Yamamoto, O., Ohira, T., Alvarez, K. and Fukuda M.. (2010): Antibacterial Characteristics of CaCO3-MgO Composites, Materials Science and Engineering B, Vol. 173, p. 208-12. Ohira, T., Kawamura, M., Iida, Y., Fukuda, M. and Yamamoto, O. (2008): Influence of the Mixing Ratio on Antibacterial Characteristics of MgO-ZnO Solid Solution in Two Phase Coexistence Region, Journal of the Ceramic Society of Japan, Vol. 116[11], p. 1234-37. Yamamoto, O., Özkal, B., Jiang, W., Ohira, T. and Nakagawa, Z. (2007): Coating of ZnO Chip with Carbon and Its Effect on Longevity of a Cut Flower, Journal of the Ceramic Society of Japan, Vol. 115, p. 993-995. Top↑ 3. Apparatus X-ray powder diffractometer General purpose X-ray diffraction system Micro-Fourier-transform-infrared spectrometer Heating and freezing stage for fluid inclusion study (Linkam THMS600 (-200 to 600 degrees C)    and TH1500 (up to 1500 degrees C) Five channel automatic electron microprobe analyzer Field emission-scanning electron microscope Scanning probe microscopy Measurement system with ac or pulse magnetic field generator for a new method Measurement system with vacuum unit for magnetic recording devices Measurement system with vacuum unit for multiferroic materials Measurement system with laser doppler vibrometer and tunable controller for high frequency devices Plasma etching system with Ar, N2, O2, CHF3 gas lines Mass spectrometer for stable isotope study Preparation system for measurement of hydrogen isotopic ratios of water, clay minerals and fluid inclusions Preparation system for measurement of oxygen and carbon isotopic ratios of water and carbonate minerals Preparation system for measurement of oxygen isotopic ratios of silicate minerals and whole rock samples Laser ablation system for microanalyses of oxygen isotopic ratios Hydrothermal experimental system   Type I (T=200-600 degrees C, P=vapor pressure to 1800 bars) Type II (T=100-300 degrees C, P=vapor pressure (Max. 86 bars)    Top↑ 4. Acceptable Research Projects Research on exploration of mineral resources and geothermal energy Research on water resources including transportation and precipitation mechanisms of heavy metals in thermal water from a hot spring, mine drainage water and river water Application of natural porous materials such as diatomite and zeolite to agriculture Nano-scale magnetic imaging and analysis of a magnetic domain structure for advanced magnetic materials and devices Fabrication of metallic, oxidized or nitrided thin films with high quality for high-performance thin film devices Preparation of various ceramic thick films by electrophoretic deposition Study on functions of geopolymer materials from natural raw materials Top↑