Since 2018, our laboratory name has been changed to "Structure-Controlled Functional Materials". In our laboratory, we aim to develop novel materials exhibiting new functions (in terms of mechanical properties, electrical, optical properties, etc) by controlling the material structures, with the aid of several experimental techniques such as high-frequency internal friction measurement, synchrotron X-ray/electron-beam diffraction analysis, femtosecond laser pump-probe measurement, and so on. Our study field is mainly based on the materials microstructure theory, thermal statistical thermodynamics, micromechanics theory, and electrochemistry.
Specifically, we focus on: (i) microstructure formation dynamics of solid-solid phase phase transition and its control by application of external fields, (ii) elucidation of relaxation mechanism and structural inhomogeneity in metallic glasses and their analog high-entropy alloys using megahertz oscillation and internal friction techniques, (iii) energy materials for novel energy storage systems and thermoelectric materials, (iv) ultrafast photoinduced phase change materials, and (v) material design utilizing phase transition such as titanium alloys, etc. In the end, we aim to investigate across the various fields to develop new materials possessing new functionalities.
