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Nanotechnology e
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AIST’s Nanotechnology
A B
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AIST’s Nanotechnology
AIST’s Nanotec hnology
total funding sought in MEXT’s nanotechnology budget tial for applying nanotechnology to industry, and stan-
is around ¥50.5 billion. dard nano-materials that give greater reliability.
The METI, on the other hand, focuses on nanotech- From 1992 to 2002, the National Institute of Ad-
nology industrialization. It aims, for example, to estab- vanced Interdisciplinary Research (NAIR) (a research
lish the nanotechnology business promotion council in institute of the Agency of Industrial Science and Tech-
September 2003 to promote links among industry, gov- nology, the forerunner of today’s AIST) carried out the
ernment bodies, and universities. The Ministry’s nano- Atom Technology Project on the ultimate technology for
technology-related projects also seek to quickly develop manipulating of atoms and molecules. This was a world-
practical and industrial applications for nanotechnology. leading project, which gathered together researchers
Table 2 shows the Ministry’s principal nanotechnology- from industry, government, and universities in Tsukuba
related project proposals for FY2003. The total funding to break new ground in nanotechnology research. AIST
sought is around ¥62.4 billion. also leads such projects as the Nanotechnology Program
(of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Develop-
ment Organization or NEDO) and the Semiconductor
AIST’s world-leading approach MIRAI Project (NEDO), seeking to strengthen Japan’s
to nanotechnology international competitiveness and create new industries
(Figure 2).
This feature introduces some nanotechnology-relat- Some of AIST’s staff also act as project lead-
ed research topics pursued by AIST. AIST, the National ers in a number of New Research Promotion Program
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technol- (MEXT). In addition, AIST provides various resources
ogy, is an integrated research institution that employs for the Nanoprocessing Partnership Program (a MEXT
around 2,400 (full-time) researchers and covers a wide Nanotechnology Support Project: see the article in
range of research fields, including materials, manufac- this feature) centered on AIST’s Nanotechnology Re-
turing technology, life-sciences, information technolo- search Institute, and the Innovative MEMS (Micro-
gies, energy and the environment. The field we apply Electro-Mechanical Systems) Business Support Program
nanotechnology therefore ranges in wide ways. (METI) centered on the AIST Institute of Mechanical
The special characteristic of AIST’s nanotechnol- Systems Engineering. In these programs, AIST supplies
ogy research is strong links with researchers in the com- researchers from industry, government, and universities
putational science and standards/measurement technol- with the latest leading-edge systems, technical advice,
ogy fields. By combining actual experimental research and prototyping services and provides support so that
of nano-materials with the computer simulations of their researchers’ ideas can be quickly turned into reality. In
structure and physical properties, we can achieve more this way, AIST contributes to the acceleration of Japan’s
efficient R&D that takes us beyond the trial-and-error nanotechnology R&D.
research methods used in the past. AIST also develops I hope that this feature will successfully convey
sophisticated measurement technologies that are essen- something of AIST’s nanotechnology-related activities.
METI-NEDO
MITI-NEDO Nanotechnology Program (2001-2007)
Atom Technology Project AIST’s staffs act as project leaders
(JRCAT) Synthetic Nano-Function Materials PJ (H. Yokoyama)
(1992-2002) Nanostructure Polymer PJ (S. Nakahama)
Nanotechnology Material Metrology PJ (M. Tanaka)
Nano Structure Forming for Ceramics Integration PJ
(J. Akedo)
demonstrated the basic technologies and R & D of 3D NanoScale Certified Reference Materials PJ
concepts on nanotechnology (I. Kojima)
Advanced Nanocarbon Application PJ (S. Iijima)
Advanced Diamond Technology PJ (N. Fujimori)
AIST participates
Nanotechnology Glass PJ (J. Nishii)
AFM image of nanodots Direct observation of Nanostructure Coating PJ (S. Sodeoka)
DNA structure
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AIST’s Nanotechnology
World Nanotech Projects
Yoshinao OOSAWA, Mami SAKASHITA, and Hirofumi OGAWA
Technology Information Department
7
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology : A Breakthrough toward
Topics
A
IST's Nanotechnology Research Institute (NRI) a large saving of resources. The NRI has succeeded in
conducts a wide range of R&D in such areas as developing a new inkjet, which we call the Super-inkjet,
nano-particles assembled from fixed number able to form fine patterns less than 1/10th the size of
of atoms; ultra-small magneto-semiconductive devices conventional inkjet patterns. Using a liquid containing
utilizing electron spins; self-organizing organic materials metal nanoparticles as ink, the Super-inkjet forms lines
mimicking living organisms that self-replicate based on less than a micron thick without any pretreatment on the
the genetic information of DNA; carbon nanotubes with substrate's surface. (Figure 1)
a great promise for wide applications; and the last but
not the least, novel bio-assay devices. Highly sensitive magnetic
There is much more to nanotechnology than simple sensors
miniaturization. Investigating the ultimate functionality
of materials in the nanometer scale, researchers are able The explosive growth of the Internet, digital media
to discover ways to achieve maximum functions with and many other IT applications has heightened the need
minimum energy and resource input. Nanotechnology for rapid and accurate processing of high volumes of
is a 21st century technology to pave the way to a truly electronic data. Serving this demand at low cost and with
sustainable high-tech society. In this article, I will minimum consumption of energy and other resources
introduce some of the research that NRI is currently is an urgent issue today, as recent crises in electrical
conducting with a view to resource and energy-saving. power supply attest. Dramatic breakthroughs are
expected from such innovations as magnetic memory,
The Super-inkjet which unlike semiconductor memory does not require
constant power consumption; and high-density hard
Inkjet printers are a common technology, familiar to disks that store terabits of data per square inch. At NRI,
people everywhere. These printers, which draw graphics we have discovered that nanoscale composite structures
by shooting jets of tiny ink droplets from a nozzle onto of metal and semiconductor material can provide high
paper, have steadily improved in both precision and magnetic resistance even at room temperatures and
speed in recent years. Today inkjet printing is attracting in low magnetic fields. Through the Synthetic Nano-
new attention as an application in next-generation Function Materials Project, a nanotechnology program
semiconductor nanoprocessing technology. Instead of of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI),
the present highly wasteful approach of shaving off we are striving to develop advanced applications for
most of the thin film deposited over the whole area and these new technologies. Recently, we succeeded in
leaving just the small amount needed, the new "on- demonstrating a rate of change in magnetic resistance
demand" method places only the amount needed, where of 10,000% per 100mT by building gold nanostructures
needed, through an inkjet. Naturally, this will result in on a substrate of gallium arsenide, a composite
Figure 1. Ultrafine wiring plotted directly on a glass substrate with Figure 2. Ultra-sensitive
a metal NanoPaste (Harima Chemicals, Inc.), using the Super-inkjet. magnetoresistive switching device,
(left) Squares 25µm long on each side (right) Lines 3µm wide mounted on a device package.
Exhibited at the Nanotech 2003 + Future
Exhibition, the device is attracting interest for its
property of switching a light-emitting diode on
and off as it is moved toward and away from a
magnetic field.
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AIST’s Nanotechnology
the 21st Century
Figure 3.
(a) Microscopic orientation pattern on a substrate
surface imparts a memory function to liquid crystals.
(b) Microphotograph of liquid crystals aligned along Figure 4. Process of creating a target-oriented
the orientation pattern that is produced with an atomic- DDS with the cell-recognition functions of
force microscope. For visibility purposes, 10 µm-sided sugar chains.
patterns were produced, but it is actually possible to
make the less than 1 µm-sided patterns.
Because of the pattern symmetry, in this case, three different
orientations were stabilized.
9
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Carbon Nanotube Industrial Applications
Topics
Motoo YUMURA
Research Center for Advanced Carbon Materials
C
arbon nanotubes and other nanocarbons have
electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and 1-1 Development of catalysts
for mass production
mechanical strength that conventional materials
cannot match. With the diversity of their structure, these In the mass production of nanotubes, the catalyst
characteristic values can be achieved over an extremely holds the key. The Research Center for Advanced Car-
wide range of conditions. Nanocarbons can be used in a bon Materials has developed two types of catalysts. One
wide range of fields, including chemical, electrical, and is a nanometer-size metal particle catalyst (Figure 2).
mechanical, and offer great promise in the 21st century This is a new type of catalyst with many advantages: al-
as a basic material at the core of materials nanotechnol- though nano-size, it can be made from a diverse range of
ogy. The Research Center for Advanced Carbon Materi- metals, and can combine different metals. In the Nano-
als develops the superior characteristics of nanocarbons carbon Technology Project, this catalyst is being used in
and links them to the creation of innovative products in the gaseous phase reaction process under development
a wide range of industrial fields, including IT, the envi- by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. The other catalyst is based on the
ronment, and biotech in an effort to help reinforce the use of a catalyst carrier for supporting stably the 1-nm
competitiveness of Japanese industry. nano-particles. In the Nanocarbon Technology Project,
this catalyst is being used in the fluidized bed method
Nanocarbon Technology under development by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
1 Project By the admixture of the so produced nanotubes
with plastics, the mechanical strength and electrical and
The Nanocarbon Technology Project is a five-year thermal conductivity of the material are improved. The
plan running until FY2006 and involving eight corpora- development of applications of nanotubes as new cata-
tions, one association, and four universities as well as lyst materials, optical materials, and gas storage materi-
AIST (Figure 1). The project was started in October als is in full swing.
2002 with the aim of advancing nanotube mass produc-
tion technology and a broad range of applied research.
From FY2003, it was reconstituted as one of the Focus 1-2 Ultra-high
microscope
sensitivity electron
21 projects to invigorate economy. Two priority devel-
opment themes, development of miniature, lightweight, The success of the above nanocarbon technologies
and long-life mobile-type fuel cells using nanotubes as is underpinned by the development of an ultra-high sen-
their electrodes, and electron device application technol- sitivity, high-resolution electron microscope, which has
ogy using nanocarbon materials in semiconductor chip sub-nanoscale accuracy and is able to obtain information
wiring, are receiving accelerated development. on the atomic arrangement, element identification, and
The Research Center for Advanced Carbon Materi- electronic structure of nanocarbon materials. Our micro-
als is involved in all Nanocarbon Technology Project re- scope, the sub-nanometer structure analysis system (Fig-
search themes and is pursuing this research vigorously. ure 3), is being improved, so that we have succeeded in
Growth control
・Spinning method (Fujitsu, NEC, AIST)
(TORAY)
Device
(Fujitsu, NEC, AIST)
Structural
$ 構造評価技術 analyses ・Development of analytic technology of nanocarbons (AIST)
10
AIST’s Nanotechnology
revealing individual atoms on a nanocarbon. substrates for ultrafine non-volatile memories and field
effect transistors.
Further development of
2 carbon nanotube applications 2-2 Biotech applications
From bulk use to using single nanotube
characteristics Nanocarbon tubes are 100% carbon and are com-
patible with cells and other organic matter. In addition,
As research into nanotubes advances, research is precision growth and position-direction control technol-
shifting from methods of utilizing bulk nanotubes (in ogies developed for nanotube electronic device applica-
composite resins and FEDs, for example) to utilization tions have potential for application in a number of areas
of individual nanotube characteristics by combining in the biotech field.
with nano-processing technologies. For example, nanotubes have proved excellent
characteristics as the probes of scanning probe micro-
2-1 Application to electronics scopes (SPM), and application to cell manipulation
technology looks very promising. Nanotubes can also
The application of nanocarbon technologies to new be chemically modified and various molecules can be
transistors that surpass conventional silicon-based semi- joined to give them DNA separation and protein recog-
conductors holds great promise. The Center is carrying nition functions. In addition, expectations are also cen-
out research for realizing nanotube devices, utilizing our tering on such areas as the development of drug delivery
so far developed technology on catalyst and nanotube systems that use nanotubes’ interior space.
syntheses. By the reaction of nanometer-size catalyst
with acetylene on a silicon substrate, the Center has suc- Toward further development
ceeded in the fabrication of oriented nanotube film that
grow vertically on a substrate, as in Figure 4. One prom- Still further development can be achieved by merg-
ising application of these oriented films is as electron ing the carbon nanotube and other nanocarbon fabrica-
sources of field emission-type devices. tion and processing technologies of the Research Center
To extend this technology further to the develop- for Advanced Carbon Materials with the nano-material
ment of nanotube devices, the Center has been working processing and cell processing technologies of other
on developing technologies for more precise growth of AIST research units. AIST hopes it can create large-
nanocarbons. The Center has demonstrated that, by mix- scale nanocarbon business centers within AIST to help
ing catalysts with resist and forming catalyst patterns strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese industry.
by lithography, it is able to selectively grow nanotubes
(Figure 5). Through the development of micro-array
technology using such catalyst reactions, the Center has
opened the way to array nanotubes in lattice patterns on
S M
nanoprobe(<0.2 nm)
b
Gd3+
Counts (arb. units)
Gd M5
sample
Gd M4
S
AIST-HD2000UHV M
1160 1180 1200 1220 1240
Energy loss (eV)
Information on Gd@C82
electronic state
Spectrometer
Highly resolved
image
Ultrahigh sensitive elemental analysis Figure 5. Towards the calculation with
using ultrasmall electron probe a carbon nanotube device.
(upper) Specimen of a carbon nanotube device
Figure 3. Sub-nanometer structure analysis system (S: semiconductor nanotube, M: metallic
developed in the Center. nanotube). (lower) Nanotube grown on a
catalyst pattern fabricated with lithography (a
single-wall nanotube crosses over the catalyst
patters)
11
AIST’s Nanotechnology
A New Type of Nanotube Formed from Molecu
Topics
12
AIST’s Nanotechnology
les
further modification. This discovery has exciting supported catalysts and gas loading.
implications, as it represents a new one-dimensional
nanostructural material that can produce wires under Nanochannels with diameters
gentle conditions beyond the limit of nanolithography of 10–100nm
(50nm).
Lipid nanotubes have a diameter that is greater
Drawing patterns using lipid than carbon nanotubes, whose diameter ranges from
nanotubes 1nm to a few tens of nanometers, but smaller than the
finest glass capillaries (approximately 500nm), providing
The mechanical properties of a single, independent a tube-diameter distribution that no other material
lipid nanotube are completely unknown. In a joint can emulate. The use of lipid nanotubes, with their
research project with Kohzo Ito, Professor of Graduate hydrophilic inner surfaces, as nanochannels, provides
School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, we an instructive example. Lipid nanotubes are some 104
succeeded in evaluating the bending stiffness of a single smaller in internal diameter and 108 smaller in volume
lipid nanotube underwater. It was determined that the than the microchannels (assuming the same length for
Young's modulus for a single lipid nanotube is 700Mpa. both) currently used in DNA chips and electrophoresis
This is much more elastic than a carbon nanotube and chips (squares of substrate a few centimeters in length),
roughly in line with the value for a single microtubule whose internal diameter is roughly 100µm. Accordingly,
in a living body, which is about 1000Mpa. Using the the organic and inorganic materials we originated can be
moderate elasticity exhibited by the lipid nanotubule, used to create hollow cylinders with diameters of 10nm
we developed a microinjection method that enables to 1000nm, which can be deployed as nanochannels or
individual nanotubes to be extruded from ultrafine glass nano-reaction chambers. By using these to effect the
capillaries (with internal diameter of approximately inclusion of useful bioactive nanomaterials such as DNA
500nm) onto substrates and freely oriented and arranged and protein, high-speed and high-efficient separation and
(Figure 5). This technique enables wiring patterns to high-speed reaction applications can be developed. In
be drawn on substrates using lipid nanotubes, with any a joint research project with Tsuguo Sawada, Professor
orientation and arrangement desired (Figure 6). of Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University
of Tokyo, we are working eagerly in research to find
Creating silica nanotubes characteristics and applications for enclosed liquid-phase
nanospaces of 10-100nm.
In nanotechnology, the spontaneous organization
of molecular units less than a few nanometers in size High expectations
into three-dimensional structures of 10-100nm is known
as the "bottom-up" technique. Upon examining a wide The bottom-up technique described here is a
variety of molecular structural units, we came upon key technology that enables the synthesis of tailor-made
a phenomenon in which a certain glycolipid forms organic and inorganic nanotubes. These new nanotubes
double-helical structures about 20nm in width. Applying were found to demonstrate hitherto unknown properties,
this complex shape to nano-templating, we carried out such as inclusion of nanostructures, gas loading and
a sol-gel reaction using tetraethoxysilane, a precursor elasticity. Through close collaboration with ongoing
monomer of silica, then calcined to remove the nano- research in carbon nanotubes, we expect AIST to uncover
template. In this way, we succeeded in creating a a wide range of promising nanotube technologies.
silica nanotube with a special double-helical structure. References
Using a variety of organic nanotemplates including Toshimi SHIMIZU, in Kihon kara Manabu Nanotechnology (Basics of
rods, spirals, double cylinders and multiple cylinders, Nanotechnology) Kazuyuki HIRAO (ed) Tokyo Kagaku Dojin Co., Ltd.,
pp. 124-139 (2003)
AIST is currently synthesizing a number of special, Toshimi SHIMIZU, Chemistry Today; May 2003, Tokyo Kagaku Dojin Co.,
one-dimensional, inorganic nanospace materials, Ltd., No. 386, pp. 23-29 (2003)
and evaluating properties of these structures such as Toshimi SHIMIZU, Kotai Butsuri (Solid-State Physics) 38, 377 (2003)
0.14 mm
13
AIST’s Nanotechnology
The Impact of Nanotechnology in Electron Dev
Topics
Junji ITOH
Nanoelectronics Research Institute (NeRI)
R
educing the size of electron devices to the nano- (X).
meter scale brings the following quantitative In the planar MOSFETs currently in use, reduc-
effects. First, greater integration among devices ing the distance between source and drain causes leak
can be achieved. Second, the devices operation becomes current, in which electrons pass from source to drain
faster, because the distance traveled by the electrons in when they are not supposed to. The XMOS structure
the devices is shortened. eliminates this problem, as the channel is surrounded
But what about qualitative effects? Investigating by the two gates. Indeed, performance improves as the
the qualitative effects of nanotechnology is not easy, size of the device is reduced. The key here is to produce
since in many cases only reducing the structure is not the larger drain current with the lower gate voltage. The
enough to yield significant changes. When dealing gate voltage required to change the drain current by a
with dimensions so small that individual atoms can be factor of 10 is called the sub-threshold slope (s-slope).
counted, unevenness in the surface of a single atom can The smaller the s-slope is, the greater the performance
obstruct the movement of electrons, preventing the re- of the device will be.
alization of anticipated physical phenomena. To obtain Recently we succeeded in fabricating a prototype
real qualitative changes, devices must be fabricated with nanoscale XMOS with an ideal rectangular cross-section
exacting precision at least single-atom level. as shown in Figure 1(b): channel thickness of 13nm and
This paper describes three qualitative changes, or width of 82nm. The sides (the semiconductor surface
effects, that we at the NeRI have observed as we reduce through which the electrons flow) have a surface that is
the dimensions of devices to the nanometer scale. These smooth at the atomic level. The device’s characteristics
qualitative effects are demonstrated for the first time indicated that, as shown in Figure 2, performance im-
when the structure and surface of the devices are care- proves as the thickness of the channel decreases and the
fully produced with geometrical precision at the atomic theoretically predicted performance limit is reached at
level. 13nm. This is a qualitative effect achieved for the first
time by accurately and precisely controlling dimensions,
Finding the outermost limits structure, and shape at the atomic level.
of transistor performance
Seeing individual electrons
We are currently conducting research of a na-
noscale metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transis- Since electrons are particles carrying an electrical
tor (MOSFET). Figure 1 (a) shows the structure of our charge, it should be possible to observe the behavior
proposed design for a MOSFET. In this structure, the of individual electrons. In the ordinary world, this is
semiconductor layer (channel), through which the elec- generally impossible, but when devices are shrunk to
trons pass is surrounded by two gates. The structure is the nanometer level, individual electrons become vis-
called a double-gate MOSFET, or XMOS, so named be- ible. The following is an example in which electrons are
cause of the structure’s similarity to the Greek letter Ξ made visible using a simple device with silicon rods.
Si channel
(a) thickness (T) Gate
Cross section
10-4 of Si channel
Vd=0.05V
Source Drain 10-5 Oxide layer
Si rod 1
82 nm insulator=2.2 nm Lg =85-nm
T=103nm
10-6 S=103mV/dec Tox=4.4-nm
Gate electrode
10-7 1
Drain current Id(A/µm)
T=13nm
Electron flow -8 T=73nm 30 nm
drain current (Id) BOX
10T=13 nm
S=63mV/dec
T=33nm 1
(b) 10-9 A
Id[A]
T=53nm Adhesion of
(a) (b)
10-10 sigle electron V
1
annel
s (T)
Cross section 10-11 Steeper raising
Gate of Si channel
10-12 (better s-property)
Drain
Oxide layer 1
82 nm insulator=2.2 nm 10-13
-1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 SiO2 )
ck gate
Gate electrode Gate voltage Vg(V) u b s tr ate (Ba 1
Si S
on flow 30 nm Vbg
current (Id) T=13 nm
BOX
(a)
(a) (b)
Figure 1. Structure of an Figure 2. Electric properties of the (a)
Figure 3. Structure and properties
ultramicroscopic Fin-type XMOS device shown in Figure 1 of an ultramicroscopic silicon-rod
transistor device
14
AIST’s Nanotechnology
ices
As Figure 3(a) indicates, the device used was a feature of this device is that electrons enter a nonmag-
rectangular silicon rod with a cross-section width of netic layer are reflected by the layers above and below,
10nm and a height of about 50nm. When a voltage of which are an insulating layer and a ferromagnetic layer
(for example) 0.1V is applied between the ends of the respectively. This device demonstrates the wave-like
rod, a current is generated. In this state, as the voltage overlapping and canceling behavior described above.
in the silicon substrate shown in Figure 3(a) is gradually When the voltage is applied at a certain level to maintain
made negative, the current increases or decreases with the wave length constant, the electrical current through
a certain step as shown in Figure 3(b). These current the nonmagnetic layer should change as a function of
steps occur because changes in the voltage of the sub- the nonmagnetic layer thickness. Under the condition
strate cause an electron attached to or released from the of the thickness where the waves overlap, the current
silicon rod surface. When an electron becomes attached should increase; otherwise, the current should decrease.
to a point anywhere on the silicon rod surface, a repul- The results of our experiments are presented in Fig-
sive force is generated between the attached electron ure 5. When the thickness of the nonmagnetic layer was
and the electrons flowing through the inside of the rod. carefully varied from 0 to 3 nm, the current changed
This repulsive force obstructs the flow of the electrons clearly up and down accordingly to the thickness varia-
and decreases the current. This phenomenon occurs only tion. This phenomenon was rendered visible for the first
when the rod is extremely and precisely thinned and is time because the individual layers of metal and insulator
thus a qualitative effect of nanotechnology. are atomically flat and smooth, testifying once again to
the qualitative changes made possible through nanotech-
Seeing electron waves nology.
Electron spin
-7 Ferromagnetic
10 Vd=0.1V layer bias voltage V
Ni-Fe 3
room temperature +600mV
Tunnel barrier Al2O3 +400mV
2nm
Magnetoresistivity (%)
10-8 +200mV
Nonmagnetic 2 +10mV
layer Cu(001) 2nm -200mV
-400mV
10-9 Adhesion of Ferromagnetic -600mV
Id[A]
Co(001) 1
10-9 single electron layer
V -10
10 Release of Electron spin
single electron
magnification Ferromagnetic 0
layer
-11 Ni-Fe
10
10-10
-1 -0.5 0 Tunnel barrier Al2O3 -12nm
-12 Nonmagnetic
10 layer Cu(001) 2nm
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 -2
Ferromagnetic 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Vbg[V] layer Co(001)
(b) Thickness of nonmagnetic layer (nm)
15
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Managing Chemical Risks Using Environment
Topics
T
he nanotech revolution, which has made as- lipids that detect dioxin and trichloroethylene. When the
tounding progress in recent years, is spreading instrument captures chemicals, the resulting increase in
to the field of environmental technology. Hap- weight generates a change in oscillating frequency by
hazard approaches to environmental measures are a which the chemicals are detected. This simple and high-
significant factor behind rising costs in manufacturing. ly sensitive sensor is now finding practical applications
To prevent these costs from diminishing Japan’s indus- (Photo.1).
trial competitiveness, new ideas in nanotechnology need A number of approaches are being developed that
to be matched with the enterprises that require them, aim to reproduce in microchips the molecular recogni-
generating effective and radical technology change in tion systems of living creatures. One technology freely
the environmental field and developing the field of en- arrays and integrates electrodes within a microchip sys-
vironmental services—a business with a huge potential tem. Another forms nanoscale structures on the surfaces
market. of each of the electrodes thus arrayed; these structures
The essential point in general chemical risk man- are fitted with high-density arrays of substances with
agement is to minimize the costs of management. These biological functions, such as receptors, enzymes and ar-
costs include the cost of equipment and facilities used in tificial antibodies, or are covered in inorganic catalysts.
monitoring, measurement and processing, as well as the In another technology, functions such as reaction, sepa-
energy and reagents used to run and maintain systems. ration and detection on the surfaces of each individual
The following article is a review of recent developments electrode are controlled electrically.
and research trends in monitoring and measuring tech-
nologies, processing technologies applied in the use of Development of
chemicals and emission of waste, and some innovative environmental cleanup
clean-manufacturing technologies. technologies for processes
in which harmful chemicals
Development of on-site, are used and emitted
real-time environmental
measurement devices In addition to well-known pollutants such as ni-
trogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and carbon
Environmental measurement is crucial in determin- monooxide (CO), which are generated and released
ing how chemicals pollute the environment. For exam- in the burning of fossil fuels, many SMEs’ plants use
ple, assessing where groundwater and soil are polluted chemicals such as toluene, xylene and dichloromethane
and with what pollutants is extremely costly, as it is as solvents and cleaning agents. Households use agents
time-consuming and requires a great range of measuring such as formaldehyde (adhesive solvents and resins)
instruments. Industries need measuring devices that are and p-dichlorobenzene (pesticides). Because most of
simple, flexible and compact. As Figure 1 illustrates, these pollutants are discarded into the environment at
one instrument has been developed which consists of a room temperatures, the chemical industry is looking for
quartz crystal microbalance modified with proteins and ways of processing them as close to room temperatures
2,3,7,8-TCDD-binding protein
2,3,7,8-TCDD
nanostructure
Photo 2. Photocatalytic
Quartz crystal oscillator QCM materials spread out on a
Immobilized
(QCM) electrode anti-dioxin antibody street
Figure 1. Development of a highly sensitive
environmental measurement sensor. toluene
xylene
Nanoscale structures are formed on the electrodes of quartz formaldehyde Detoxification
excited by
crystal microbalance. These surfaces are densely embedded sunlight
with biofunctional substances such as receptors and artificial
Development of visible-light
antibodies. Photo catalyst
reactive photocatalyst
nanostructured photocatalyst
0.4
present
NO removal
TiO2
0.2
Dioxin measurement previous
chip Reaction space (mesoporous)
DXN Sensor (QCM、0.8cm)
Photo 1. Simple 1cm
Titania (nano-sized particle) 0
quartz crystal Selectivity inducing molecule
300 400 500 600
wavelength(nm)
oscillator–type
dioxin measuring Battery drive type Figure 2. Detoxification of harmful chemicals using
(6×4.5×3 cm)
instrument 130 g (Total weight) advanced functional photocatalysts
16
AIST’s Nanotechnology
al Nanotechnology
as possible, so that the requisite equipment and systems gies and nanostructure control technologies, research
can be as compact, energy-efficient and inexpensive as is progressing to create a platform for processes that
possible. reduce the use and emission of organic solvents such as
In Figure 2, a photocatalyst is excited by sunlight toluene and organic chlorine compounds, and minimize
to decompose harmful chemicals at room temperature. byproducts (unnecessary byproducts and those that
Through the collaboration of three research units at carry risks). For example, as shown in Figure 4, the
AIST, a new photocatalyst is being developed which conventional method of synthesizing propylene oxide
uses visible light, while another photocatalytic agent uses chlorine, which generates hydrogen chloride (HCl)
under development possesses a structure that selectively and calcium chloride (CaCl2) as byproducts. To curtail
adsorbs and then efficiently decomposes harmful chemi- the generation of these byproducts, a new catalyst with
cals. A battery of environmental cleanup trials are under- a carefully controlled nanostructure is being synthe-
way with these photocatalytic materials in a wide variety sized and used to create a process that uses oxygen to
of locations both indoors and outdoors (Photo. 2). In the synthesize propylene oxide directly. In another project,
processing of cleaning agents and solvents, a technology nanomembranes that selectively transmit and activate
is being developed in which fibrous activated charcoal is hydrogen are synthesized and combined into a system
heated directly by electricity, providing a more compact, which, as Figure 5 illustrates, was found to convert
low-cost processing system than conventional steam- benzene to phenol in a single reaction. Conventional
heating processes. phenol synthesis requires large volumes of solvent and
Research is ongoing in the synthesis of nanospace generates byproducts, consuming copious amounts of
materials consisting of “mesopores” (greater than 1nm energy and placing a heavy load on the environment. In
in diameter) that selectively disperse chemicals in fine the new process, the catalysts produced using nanotech-
pores and micropores (less than 1nm in diameter) that nology deliver a chemical process that is friendly to the
selectively adsorb chemicals. These materials are vari- environment. The researchers aim to conduct proving
ously inorganic, such as silica; organic, such as cyclo- tests on a wide range of selective oxidation processes, to
dextrin; or hybrid. In addition, a highly active catalyst is synthesize fine chemicals, specialty chemicals (medical
being developed that combines multiple metal particles intermediates and the like) and electronic materials with
at the nanoscale level (Figure 3). By conjoining these high efficiency. In one particular application, by combin-
materials, we aim to construct and organize integrated, ing microchemical processes, which provide significant
multifunctional catalytic systems that can adsorb and effects at the microscale level, with nanotechnologies
concentrate harmful chemicals and decompose them at such as nanomembranes and nanostructured catalysts,
room temperatures. researchers aim to create innovative inplant processes
that greatly reduce risk.
Innovative clean
manufacturing technologies
In addition to work on microprocessing technolo-
O O
Support
O
Highly dispersed O
keeping the composition O
integrated nanocatalyst
17
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Computational Sciences on the Frontiers of N
Topics
N
anotechnology can be defined as technology joint research by a number of groups, and was released
that aims to create objects with new functions within AIST in July as part of TACPACK, an integrated
that cannot be created in bulk, such as molecular software package developed by Tsukuba Advanced
electronic devices and catalysts, from nanoscale Computing Center (TACC) and RICS.
components such as atoms, molecules or clusters thereof. Although STATE provides large-scale, high-
Although new, non-bulk functions can sometimes be precision computing power, computing time rises by
predicted through experimental work, the use of computer a power of between 2 and 3 as the number of atoms
science to reveal mechanisms and predict nanostructures increases, so computation becomes more difficult as the
offers extremely effective support for the effort to develop size of the system increases. To address this problem,
these functions. We expect computational sciences to play the Institute developed, for the first time in the world,
an increasingly vital role in nanotechnology in this way. a unique order (N) method based (ABRED) on the
The functions that researchers are trying to recursion method, which reduced the computing load to
achieve through nanotechnology cover a wide range a power of 1 to the number of atoms. Although parallel
that embraces devices, catalysts, sensors and much programming of this method has not yet been conducted,
else. Nonetheless most of this range can be approached it is now possible to compute electronic state of systems
through a relatively small set of calculation methods, such for a few hundred atoms on a single PC. The method has
as electronic state computing and molecular-dynamics already been applied to problems in carbon nanotubes
computing. The unique advantages of computational and manganese polynuclear complexes. One difference
sciences are therefore expected to enable the unification between this method and other order (N) approaches is
of many disparate aspects of nanotechnology research. that it can be applied to metals. The program has been
Research Institute for Computational Sciences has optimized to enable calculations on up to the fourth row
made nanotechnology its highest priority and is hard of atoms. After further parallelization of the code, the
at work developing highly accurate and large-scale Institute plans to release it for general use.
computational methods and raising the speed of the To provide methods of electronic state computing,
necessary software code. We are also working to develop we are currently developing a density functional method
and publish these tools in a more user-friendly form. using finite element bases (FEMTECK) as well as a
fragment molecular orbital method (FMO) for large
Electronic state calculations molecules such as proteins. All of these calculations are
-First-principle molecular performed using AIST's Hitachi SR8000 supercomputer,
dynamics- which has been proven to offer highly efficient parallel
processing using 512 CPUs. Within two or three years,
In the first-principle molecular dynamics dynamics we expect to be able to use the fragment molecular
and stable configurations of atoms are calculated through orbital method, on a large PC cluster, to calculate the
electronic state based on quantum mechanics. To structures of proteins composed of thousands of atoms.
perform computing of this kind, we developed dedicated
computer code called STATE. STATE is a powerful High-precision electronic
computer program with high-speed parallel processing, state computing
particularly, for calculations of high-precision surface -Electron correlation-
state, the strength of vibration spectra and magnetic-
field. Using STATE, the decomposition reaction of The density functional method is extremely effective
formic acid on titanium oxide (Figure 1) was possible. and widely used. Because it generally uses local density
And reaction heat and frequency and its strength of approximation, however, this method is unable to
adsorbate in some other basic catalytic reactions were address some problems of electronic correlation. This
also calculated. These calculations accorded closely with shortcoming introduces many qualitative and quantitative
actual experimental results. STATE is already used in problems into the results of calculation of such practically
30
DPPC 20
DPhPC
2HCOOH(g) 20
0
10
10
Energy (eV)
x / ナ
z/Å
z/Å
-1 0 0
H2 O desorb
-10
-10
-2
-20
-20
2HCOOH(ad)
-3
-30
-20 -10 0 10 20 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30
Reaction Path z/Å z/Å
18
AIST’s Nanotechnology
anotechnology
important features as luminescence characteristics, light- nanoscale electronic devices, electrical conductance
absorption, band gap and magnetic field. We are currently has revealed in some materials a number of unique
developing a theoretical method for these problems of behaviors that could not be discovered using electron-
electronic correlation. The required computing time is state computing alone. For example, unlike ordinary
still too long as a practical computing technique, but copper wires, carbon nanotubes are predicted in
we have already been able to reproduce some important theoretical simulations to display the behavior of an
experimental values using this approach. The method has electrical wire with a kind of no electrical resistance.
proven an important tool in running computer simulations In recent experiments, carbon nanotubes have been
of the electronic and optical properties in the fields of observed to demonstrate a “ballistic” conductance, and
strongly correlated electronic system, spin electronics and this theoretical prediction has since been confirmed.
optoelectronics. In the nanosclaes a quantum interference effect is
expected to exert an important influence on electrical
Molecular dynamics conductance, as explained here. We developed a
simulations theoretical simulation methods that fuses the appropriate
modeling with electronic state computing. In future
To create organic field-effect transistors (FETs) and efforts, we intend to develop this theory into a form of
molecular sensors, the molecules must first be lined up circuit-design CAD that we expect will prove important
on the surface in a certain pattern. One method of doing in opening up the field of nanoelectronics.
this is to make the molecules line up automatically by
self-organization. Such methods have been developed Continuum simulation
in areas of "wet chemistry" such as supramolecular
chemistry. It is, however, difficult to know what If we apply the term “nanoscale” a little large
structures are obtained from what molecular structures. system where atomic and molecular interactions are
In this case, molecular dynamics is applied to predict replaced by a mean field, we can use the method of
structures and functions of the resulting aggregations. calculating continuum media. Examples include the
To apply classical molecular dynamic to structural phase field method and vertex model, which are used in
prediction, however, several problems must first be computing the organization in metals and ceramics. If we
solved; sufficiently accurate intermolecular forces must “zoom out” a little further, in simulations of microscopic
be obtained. Efficient sampling methods are required. electronic machines (MEMs) and the machines to
And the accurate time-integration method for a long- construct nanostructures, simulations of continua in
time calculation must be developed. The Institute was solid and fluid mechanics become most useful. In these
able to use these methods to develop high-speed, high- microscopic domains, however, computing requirements
precision code. Figure 2 illustrates an example in which are usually too rigorous to be handled by commercially
this code was applied: a description of the dynamics of available software. For example, in the super-inkjet
different molecule transportation in lipid bilayers. Using now being developed by the Nanotechnology Research
these technologies for the molecular assemblies, we are Institute, the problem of high-speed two-phase flow
collaborating with experiment groups with the aim of occurs when the ink is ejected from the nozzle. Our
developing systems for the design of nanostructures. Institute have developed an alternative solution; A
shown in Figure 3, the simulation impact spot of the ink
Nanoscale conductance droplets closely matches the actual experimental results.
19
AIST’s Nanotechnology
The Nanotechnology Program Projects
National Project
T
he Nanotechnology Program was launched in least one prototype (sample material, database, or simu-
2001 to create a platform technology that will lation software, etc) that can be used for trial purposes
contribute to the sustainable development of Ja- must be produced and it will be furnished to outside ob-
pan’s economy and to incubate new businesses that will servers after closing a contract.
lead the world market in nanotechnology and nanoma- (2) Each participant of the project may request the con-
terials in 10 years’ time. The Nanotechnology Program sent of other participants for the use of said participants’
consists of a number of projects, including nine projects patents or expertise if it is required for carrying out the
involved in the Nanomaterials and Processing Sub- project.
Program Projects and four projects involved in the Nano
Manufacturing and Metrology Sub-Program Projects. Promoting the dissemination
NEDO manages these projects as the entrusted mis- 2 of information
sion from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
(METI). The Nanotechnology and Materials Technol- (1) The NMTDD operates a domestic mailing list called
ogy Development Department (NMTDD) is in charge the Nano-Tech Mailing List, to provide information
of all the Nanomaterials and Processing Sub-Program exchange on nanotechnology to persons interested in
Projects; two of the Nano Manufacturing and Metrology nanotechnology, both within and outside the Nanotech-
Sub-Program Projects; and four of “Focus 21” projects nology Program. As of June 2003, this mailing list has
started this fiscal year of 2003 (for details, please see the approximately 760 members. Every effort will be made
illustrations below). to provide comprehensive disclosure on the NEDO web-
The NMTDD is tasked with management of the site.
project in accordance with the following management (2) Forums, workshops, exhibitions and similar kinds of
policies, as is reflected in the agreements signed with events will be held every year. Research activities are
each of the project contractors. also conducted for aiming at developing practical appli-
cations and commercialization of nanotechnology.
Promoting the (3) An international network of professionals will be
1 commercialization formed to promote R&D and commercialization of
nanotechnology through the free and open exchange of
(1) By the end of the third fiscal year of the project, at views and information among people.
20
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Thorough research terials and Processing Sub-Program and two under Nano
3 management and promotion Manufacturing and Metrology Sub-Program are led by
researchers from National Institute of Advanced Indus-
of liaison among projects
trial Science and Technology (AIST). In many other
(1) Considerable authority will be conferred on project projects, AIST is a key participant, playing important
leaders and clear numerical targets will be set, to ensure roles in each of these efforts. I would like to close by
responsible and effective research management. thanking all of the researchers in advance for their valu-
(2) Effective liaison among projects will be maintained able work in furthering each of the projects that make up
through “Systematization of Nanotechnology Materials the Nanotechnology Program.
Program Results Project”.
During the current fiscal year,
Nanomaterials and Processing−from average to zero deviation (from disorder to order)
five projects will be subject to an
Macroscopically similar, while “nanoscopically” different
interim evaluation: Nanotechnol- −Key: molecular weight,regularity, localization,distribution−
ogy Metal Project; Nanotechnology
Glass Project; Nanotechnology Par-
Length
長さ Distribution Size
ticle Project; Nanostructure Coating Mean length:10nm Mean length:10nm Mean concentration:11% Mean concentration:11% Mean diameter:3nm Mean diameter:3nm
Project; and Synthetic Nano-Func-
tion Materials Project. Moreover,
most of the projects under Nanoma-
terials and Processing Sub-Program Feature: Homogeneous length, tacticity, Feature: Homogeneous composition and Feature: Homogeneous particle size
and molecular weight at the nano-scale atomic/molecular distribution at the nano-scale
are subject to the third fiscal year, Effect: Improvement of toughness, at the nano-scale Effect: Low friction spacer,
viscoelasticity and heat-resistance Effect: Crack-free glass variable color emitter
when the submission of prototypes
will be required. This year is thus
Nanotechnology Program - Nanomaterials and Processing Sub-Program -
designated as an evaluation year,
when progress in each project is Systematization of Nanotechnology Materials Program Results Project Nanodevice and nanomaterials
for next-generation information
verified and reviewed and future Nanotechnology Material technology
Nanotechnology Metal PJ
Nanotechnology Glass PJ
Nanostructure Polymer PJ
Nanocarbon Technology PJ
Metrology PJ
management policies and directions Nanotechnology Glass PJ for Electron Device
Nanotechnology Particle PJ
are determined. Nanotechnology Glass PJ for Display
Full and comprehensive shar- Nanostructure Coating PJ
Carbon Nanotube FED PJ
ing and publication of information Synthetic Nano-Function
is of crucial importance, as the com- Materials PJ Advanced Diamond Technology PJ
Four projects under Nanoma- R & D of 3D NanoScale Certified Reference Materials PJ R & D of 3D NanoScale Certified Reference Materials PJ
21
AIST’s Nanotechnology
The Propagation Effect
Nanotechnology in Business
The materials and devices that nanotechnology has nanotechnological techniques could deliver medicines
given the world are used in a wide range of systems and to affected areas within a patient’s body. This is an es-
machines today. One of the most exciting features of pecially exciting field for Japan, with its eminence in
nanotechnology is its astounding breadth of real and po- polymer chemistry. Even in fields of existing materials�
tential applications. Thus the propagation effect of nano- such as iron and glass, nanotechnology is expected to
technology is immense, and the business opportunities be applied to effect quantum improvements in function
it creates are both numerous and diverse. If the size of and performance, blazing the trail to a multitude of fresh
the nanotechnology market were calculated based on the opportunities and sizeable new markets. For example,
breadth of its influence and the extent of the commercial fine ceramics to which nanotechnology is applied is
opportunities, it renders feasible. Depending on the as- forecasted to reach production of ¥100 billion by 2010.
sumptions used, the market could be worth between ¥20 Many nanotechnology products will be goods used in
trillion and ¥30 trillion by 2010. A number of possible the everyday lives of consumers, such as photocatalysts
trial calculation results are presented below. and cosmetics. A trial calculation of the market for pho-
In the electronics field, a vast potential market can tocatalysts and other environmentally friendly catalysts
be tentatively calculated for such products as new types suggests a figure of ¥70 billion. Nanoscale particles can
of displays, secondary batteries and fuel cells, replace- be used in transparent sunscreen and foundation pow-
ments for today’s general-purpose semiconductor mem- ders, generating a market of some ¥45 billion.
ory (for example, magnetoresistive random access mem- The products to which the above trial calculations
ory, or MRAM), magnetic recording devices and wiring apply incorporate a great deal of processing, which im-
materials. New displays are being aggressively pursued plies a high price in many cases. The above-mentioned
through the development of carbon nanotube applica- market size of nanotechnology reflect this value-added
tions. By 2010, the market for such displays may be on as well as the large size of the markets for the products
the order of ¥180 billion. Carbon nanotubes and nano- in question. The trial calculation reflects the direct eco-
horns are expected to be applied in the development of nomic effects of nanotechnology; the actual range of the
secondary batteries, used in mobile telephones, and fuel propagation effect of this technology is much broader.
cells, which should be used in power vehicles and even For example, as the markets described above are real-
at homes in the future. The market for such secondary ized, a wide range of business opportunities are sure
batteries is forecast to reach ¥150 billion, while a fig- to emerge in the fields of related processing and mea-
ure of ¥120 billion is anticipated for fuel cells. Another surement equipment. Moreover, many themes exist in
prominent example of a nanotechnology application is which research institutions among industry, government
MRAM, which may replace existing DRAMs to create a bodies, and universities can give free rein to their own
market on the scale of ¥120 billion. This forecast covers unique talents and capabilities. As they develop those
only replacement of the latest generation of DRAMs; abilities, new synergies should arise among the industry,
the figure may well grow larger if MRAMs cast into the� government bodies, and universities, leading to a many
market and enter a true growth phase. exciting new high-tech joint ventures. This, too, is an
In biotechnology area, nanotechnology will open important economic propagation effect of nanotechnol-
vast opportunities for such applications as drug delivery ogy.
systems. For example, microcapsules developed using
22
AIST’s Nanotechnology
The Nanoprocessing Partnership Program:
AIST as Incubator for Nanotech Japan
Hiroshi YOKOYAMA, Nanotechnology Research Institute
Nanotechnology is a highly ambitious field, which seeks shima University.
to usher in one of the most sweeping technological transfor- NPPP makes a wide range of leading-edge nanopro-
mations in human history. It is a world of ideas, an exciting cessing and nanomeasurement equipment available at no
and dynamic field of inquiry where one researcher’s pass- charge to researchers in government, industry and academia.
ing insight can spark a quantum leap in applied technology. Some 30 types of advanced equipments are provided, rang-
Yet because nanotechnology seeks to manipulate objects ing from electron-beam etching equipment to probe micro-
beyond the grasp of the five senses, it requires apparatus scopes, along with nano-foundry services to cater to each
of vast scale and expense, as well as exceptionally sterile user’s requirements. With a staff of 11 nanotechnology pro-
clean-room environments. The difficulty and cost of acquir- fessionals, NPPP responds swiftly to requests for operation
ing the sophisticated equipment needed often means that and engineering consulting and for made-to-order fabrication.
the most worthy ideas never see the light of day. To derive The project currently boasts a roster of over 100 registered
full benefit from the strengths of Nanotech Japan, everyone outside users.
involved must have access to the equipment they need, when NPPP will continue to offer cutting-edge equipments
they need it and as much as they need it, so that researchers and services and to contribute to the support of Japan’s nan-
can quickly put ideas to the test. This scientific community otechnology community through a wide range of training and
requires a shared platform of nanotechnology research equip- other initiatives.
ment.
At the Nanotechnology Research Institute, we have Processing/Measurements Products/Result
clearly recognized this aspect of nanotech R&D since the
foundation of AIST in 2001. We were instrumental in the es-
tablishment of the AIST Nano-Processing Facility (AIST-NPF),
a shared facility that any researcher could use to conduct
Application
nanoprocessing and nanomeasurement, and worked closely
with other units to open it up for all AIST researchers to use.
In 2002, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Sci-
ence and Technology launched the Nanotechnology Support
Project. The Nanotechnology Research Institute and AIST- Figure: Schematic view of NPPP’s nano-foundry
NPF, in their joint capacity as the governing body of the support.
Nano-Foundries Group, is in charge of an initiative called the (Photos of results of NPPP support provided by the Japan
Nanoprocessing Partnership Program (NPPP), a part of the Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
Nanotechnology Support Project. The Nano-Foundries Group
is a support network consisting of AIST, Waseda University, http://www.nanonet.go.jp/japanese/
the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Osaka University and Hiro- http://www.nanoworld.jp/nppp/
Nanotech Ventures
Hiromichi MAENO, Department Head, Nanotechnology Dept. Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
The Japanese economy is faced with the need for radi- selves. However, any frank assessment must concede that
cal reforms of truly seismic impact. Many of the organizing dependence on universities is an unwise policy, since univer-
systems in Japan today require reforms that have no prec- sities are concerned with learning. Businesses based on in-
edent in history. As someone who has great expectations of tellectual content have so far proven a phantom, as they lack
AIST, as a member of the Tsukuba community who helped to the human resources to deliver what they promise, and I see
found the Center for Collaborative Research, Tsukuba’s “nan- no reason to expect a great wave of new small businesses
otech park,” I would like to say a few words on this subject. to emerge from these university-based ventures. There is no
Mitsui is earnestly searching for new business models such thing as quality without quantity. AIST possesses such
and industrial mechanisms that leverage the results of scien- critical mass, as does Tsukuba. What Japanese enterprises
tific and technological research. In this spirit, we founded a need to do is to construct compelling business models and
research and development subsidiary to develop successful take concrete steps toward their fulfillment, sweeping the na-
models for an interdisciplinary approach to R&D, which is one tion with powerful new ideas.
of the guiding themes in today’s nanotechnology boom. A technology strategy is not sufficient in itself. What is
Many excellent researchers and engineers in a wide essential is a “knowledge strategy” that fuses internal and ex-
array of fields have joined Mitsui, forming a team of 110 pro- ternal sources of knowledge. Japan needs to cultivate a high-
fessionals. About two years ago, a friend of mine came to us ly active community through the efforts of many sectors, in-
from AIST to assist in the launch of this project. Since then, cluding the school system, public agencies, local government,
joint researches between Mitsui and AIST have been one of associations, NPOs and private enterprise. Such an active
the core axes of our projects. community would have the capability to construct systems
Many existing companies are losing their former drive. that put knowledge to work, fostering mechanisms for the use
One prescription for revival that is currently raising expecta- of intellectual property with a broad view, casting aside nar-
tions is to use new technologies to formulate fresh and in- row, self-centered viewpoints. Such a system of knowledge
novative business models. Such business models may be management would also support a comprehensive network
developed through partnerships among government, industry that gives meaning to broad-based collaboration both within
and academia; the reinvention of Japan as an “intellectual and across organizations. As a member of the community
property nation”; and the formation of up to 1,000 university- and the center of Tsukuba’s nanotech park, our XNRI Group
based joint ventures. These are all excellent ideas in them- (www.xnri.com) aims to contribute in every way it can.
23
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Future
24
AIST’s Nanotechnology
AIST’s Nanotechnology Technical Development Outlook
Kazuo IGARASHI, Research Coordinator
25
AIST’s Nanotechnology
26
AIST’s Nanotechnology
Edition and Publication :
Publication Office, Information & Publication Division, Public Relations Department
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
AIST Tsukuba Central 3, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8563, Japan
TEL: +81-29-861-4128 FAX: +81-29-861-4129 Email: prpub@m.aist.go.jp URL: http://www.aist.go.jp/
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• Contribution and remarks from other organizations don’t represent with AIST's views.