#1-2 Introduction to Reproductive and Environmental Sciences
On Air
Subject | Natural Science
Energy Materials for Cutting-Edge Science and Technology I
- Science and Technology
- Semiconducor
- Measurements
- Materials Science
- Energy
Cutting-edge science and technology that will lead to solutions to today's energy and environmental problems
©JV-Campus. Last Update
2026-04-28
Content／学習内容
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Semiconductor Basics
- PN junction diode
- Carrier concentration
- Minority carrier/Majority carrier
- Recombination of carriers
- Rectifying properties
Familiar semiconductor devices are introduced, and the operation of a MOS transistor as a switch, which is the building block of integrated circuits, is introduced (Part 1). Students learn that a carrier type in semiconductors and its concentration can be controlled by impurity doping, and formulate carrier concentration (Part 2). Students determine carrier concentration profile when a forward voltage is applied to a PN junction diode, and formulate the current-voltage characteristics of a PN diode (Part 3).
Videos
／学習動画
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Semiconductor Devices Overview
Familiar semiconductor devices are introduced, and the use of PN junctions is introduced. The students also understand how PN junction diodes exhibit rectifying current-voltage characteristics and how they operate as a switch in a MOS transistor, which is the building block of semiconductor integrated circuits. In addition, students learn what combinations of elements are used to form semiconductors.
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Control of carrier type and its concentration by doping
The formation of conduction and valence bands, the density of states, and the Fermi-Dirac distribution function are introduced to formulate the carrier concentration in semiconductors. Furthermore, using crystalline Si as an example, students understand that partial substitution of Si with group 13 or 15 elements results in p-type and n-type semiconductors, respectively, and that the carrier concentration can be controlled by doing such impurity elements.
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PN junction diode, a fundamental building block
Students learn the formation of depletion layers in a PN junction diode, derive an expression for the potential distribution, determine the carrier concentration profile when a forward voltage is applied, and derive an expression for the current-voltage characteristics.
Lecturers
／講師
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Takashi Suemasu
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Solar cell and Photocatalyst
Solar cells and photocatalysts have the ability to convert sunlight as an energy source into electrical energy and chemical energy, respectively. While briefly explaining the principle of operation of each, we will consider the extraction and recombination of photogenerated carriers common to both.
Videos
／学習動画
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Principle of Solar Cells
The principles of solar cells will be introduced.
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Energy Loss in Solar Cells
Consider energy loss in solar cells from the perspective of carrier recombination.
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Tandem Solar Cells & photocatalysts
Tandem solar cells and photocatalysts will be introduced with reference to solar cell principles.
Lecturers
／講師
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Takeaki Sakurai
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials I
In this class, you will learn about magnetic materials that are essential in today’s technology-driven world. We will cover important types such as permanent magnets, soft magnetic materials, and spintronics. Part 1 will start with easy-to-understand basics of magnetism and gradually introduce spintronics, a cutting-edge technology that combines magnetism and electronics.
Videos
／学習動画
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials IMagnetism of Atoms
In this course, we will learn about the origin of magnetic moments in materials. We will begin by understanding the origin of the magnetic moment of a single electron and then explore the composite spin quantum number formed by multiple electrons within a single atom. We will also cover the behavior of paramagnetism based on statistical mechanics in an accessible manner.
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials IFerromagnetism
In Part 2, we will explain the magnetic coupling (exchange coupling) that occurs between spins. Furthermore, we will understand the behavior of spontaneous magnetization in ferromagnetism using the molecular field approximation.
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials ISpintronics
Here, I introduce the spintronics and its devices which are utilizing for magnetic recording.The principal of the magnetoresistance and its application are explained.
Lecturers
／講師
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Hideto Yanagihara
Professor, Materials Innovation Program, University of Tsukuba
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Y.K. Takahashi
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Univerisity of Tsukuba
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials II
This course focuses on magnetic materials for green energy conversion, including permanent magnets, magnetocaloric materials and magnetic recording materials. We will discuss how material design and multi-length scale microstructure control result in different hysteresis and functionality in magnetic materials.
Videos
／学習動画
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials II-Hysteresis in magnetic materials
We begin by reviewing the fundamentals of magnetism, including magnetization reversal and coercivity. Then, we examine the intrinsic and extrinsic causes of hysteresis and its impact on magnetic material functionalities. Finally, we briefly cover the magnetocaloric effect.
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials II-permanent magnets
Here I will introduce permanent magnets, their applications, and the basic principles for developing high performance permanent magnets.
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Introduction of Magnetic Materials II-Magnetic Recording
Here, I introduce the magnetic materials for magnetic recording.The principal of magnetic recording and advanced magnetic recording technology are introduced.
Lecturers
／講師
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H. Sepehri-Amin
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Y.K. Takahashi
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Univerisity of Tsukuba
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Photo/Energy material
- Eco-friendly material
- Heat storage material
- Switching material
- Photomagnetic material
- Luminescent magnetic material
This lecture will focus on photo and energy materials. Regarding energy materials, we will highlight heat storage materials that respond to pressure stimuli, explaining their properties and applications. For photo materials, we will discuss switching magnetic materials and luminescent magnetic materials that can be turned on and off using light, providing detailed explanations with specific examples.
Videos
／学習動画
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Energy material
This section will focus on heat storage materials that respond to pressure stimuli as energy materials, explaining their properties and applications.
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Photo-switching material
This section will cover photo-switching materials, focusing on photo-switching magnetic materials that enable the on/off control of magnetization using light. Their specific examples and underlying principles will be explained.
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Lanthanide functional material
This section will focus on luminescent magnetic materials utilizing lanthanoids as light-functional materials, providing detailed explanations with specific examples.
Lecturers
／講師
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Hiroko Tokoro
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Junhao Wang
Assistant Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Battery and Battery Materials
- Battery
- Battery materials
- Battery history and chemistry
- Lithium-ion battery construction
- Future battery developments
The course discusses about battery and battery materials, first with an introduction to battery and its usages, followed by the history of battery development and also battery chemistry, as well as the construction of lithium-ion batteries and progresses in battery research
Videos
／学習動画
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Introduction to battery and battery usages
Basic information about battery and its usage are introduced
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Battery history and chemistry
The history of battery development and the different type of battery chemistries are discussed
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Lithium-ion battery construction and future battery developments
The construction of lithium-ion batteries and future battery developments are discussed
Lecturers
／講師
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Yu Denis Y. W.
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Ultrafast Laser Technology
- Femtosecond laser
- Coherent phonon
- Ultrafast phenomena
- Electron diffraction
- Structural dynamics
In this lecture, we will discuss the dynamics of materials under photoexcitation using femtosecond lasers. We will provide a detailed introduction to the principles of femtosecond lasers and the spectroscopic and diffraction techniques used to measure the materials under photoexcitation.
Videos
／学習動画
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Fundamentals of ultrashort pulse laser
In this lecture, we will start with the history and principles of lasers, and then explain the principles and characteristics of femtosecond lasers.
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Ultrafast phenomena in solids: time-resolved optical pump-probe spectroscopy
In this lecture, we will discuss pump-probe spectroscopy, which is the most representative method for measuring the dynamics of materials using femtosecond lasers. We will also introduce the measurement of coherent phonons in materials.
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Ultrafast electron diffraction
In this lecture, we will discuss the principles of ultrafast time-resolved electron diffraction and an example of the applications. Ultrafast time-resolved electron diffraction enables to directly observe the structural dynamics of materials under photoexcitation.
Lecturers
／講師
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Muneaki Hase
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Masaki Hada
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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X-ray Analysis
- X-ray
- X-ray Diffraction
- Powder X-ray Diffraction
Learn the basic principles of atomic structure determination using X-ray diffraction.Learn the process of atomic structure determination from powder X-ray diffraction data.
Videos
／学習動画
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1. Overview
We will explain the properties of X-rays, the use and applications of X-rays, and give an overview of atomic scale structure determination. We will explain the scattering of X-rays by powder samples and single crystal samples, and introduce Part 2.
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2. X-ray Structure analysis by powder diffraction I
We will explain the scattering of X-rays by atoms, scattering by periodically arranged atoms, and scattering of X-rays by crystals, which are necessary for powder X-ray structure analysis. Derive crystal structure factors that are essential for structural analysis.
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3. X-ray Structure analysis by powder diffraction II
We will explain the experimental equipment and the procedure for structural analysis using powder diffraction data. Learn the process of determining the structure of actual CeO2 from powder diffraction data.
Lecturers
／講師
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Eiji Nishibori
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Materials Science Using Quantum Beam
Characteristics of quantum beams such as synchrotron radiation and neutrons, and materials science research using these beams be introduced.
Videos
／学習動画
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Synchrotron Radiation and its Application to Surface Science
After introducing the generation and characteristics of synchrotron radiation, the principle and measurement method of X-ray absorption spectroscopy, one of the methods to observe surfaces, will be explained. In addition, advanced techniques using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and their applications will be introduced.
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Elucidation of Polarization Origin in Molecular FerroelectricsBased on Internal Structure
Taking organic ferroelectrics as an example, which are attracting attention for their environmental friendliness and as materials for flexible devices, this lecture will explain the methods to investigate the origin of polarization from their crystal structures, focusing on synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. Observation of structural modulation by external fields such as pressure and electric field, and comparison with neutron diffraction will also be introduced.
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Neutron Scattering for Material Research
Neutron scattering, one of the quantum beams, is a very powerful tool in the study of material science. Its features and advantages are explained, and described how neutron scattering can be useful in the research. In addition, examples of a research on low-dimensional quantum spin systems will be presented to give an understanding of the deep physics and the availability of neutrons.
Lecturers
／講師
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Kenta Amemiya
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Reiji Kumai
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Tetsuya R. Yokoo
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Carbon nanotubes: Structures, properties, and applications
In Part 1, we provide an overview of carbon nanotubes. In Part 2, we discuss their physical properties. In Part 3, we explore their applications.
Videos
／学習動画
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Carbon Nanotubes: Introduction of carbon nanotubes
We present the molecular structures, synthetic methods, and purification methods of carbon nanotube.
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Carbon Nanotubes: Properties of carbon nanotubes
We present the size and dimension effects and mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes
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Carbon nanotube: Applications of carbon nanotubes
We present the applications of carbon nanotubes in biology, composite materials, electronic devices, and sensors
Lecturers
／講師
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Atsushi Hirano
Associate Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Daiming Tang
Associate Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba
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Staff／スタッフ
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Takashi SuemasuUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer -
Takeaki SakuraiUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
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Hideto YanagiharaUniversity of Tsukuba Materials Innovation ProgramProfessorCareer
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Y.K. TakahashiUniverisity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
National Institute for Materials Science（NIMS)
Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials
Click here for details -
H. Sepehri-AminUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
National Institute for Materials Science（NIMS)
Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials
Click here for details -
Hiroko TokoroUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
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Junhao WangUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesAssistant ProfessorCareer
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Yu Denis Y. W.University of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
National Institute for Materials Science（NIMS)
Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials
Click here for details -
Muneaki HaseUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
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Masaki HadaUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
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Eiji NishiboriUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
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Kenta AmemiyaUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Synchrotron Radiation Science Div.1：Surface Science Section
Click here for details -
Reiji KumaiUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Synchrotron Radiation Science Div.1：Solid State Physics Section
Click here for details -
Tetsuya R. YokooUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Neutron Science Division
Click here for details -
Atsushi HiranoUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesAssociate ProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Nanomaterials Research Institute
(CNT Function Control Group)
Click here for details -
Daiming TangUniversity of Tsukuba Institute of Pure and Applied SciencesAssociate ProfessorCareer
Affiliated organization/department:
National Institute for Materials Science（NIMS)
Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics
Click here for details
Competency／コンピテンシー
Course Objectives
Students will develop the knowledge and thinking skills necessary to solve today’s energy and environmental problems by introducing the cutting-edge science and technology. Short tests (report assignments) are given for each lecture.
Learning Outcomes
To achieve the above objectives, students are expected to acquire the following skills:
– High level of expertise in the specialized fields of each lecture theme (Semiconductor Basics,Solar cell and Photocatalyst,Introduction of Magnetic Materials I,Introduction of Magnetic Materials II,Photo/Energy material,Battery and Battery Materials,Ultrafast Laser Technology,X-ray Analysis,Materials Science Using Quantum Beam,Carbon nanotubes: Structures, properties, and applications)
– Basic expertise necessary to understand the diverse knowledge related to cutting-edge science and technology
– Ability to think based on advanced expertise in cutting-edge science and technology and practical problem-solving ability for today’s issues
Information／その他の情報
References
末益 崇 「光デバイス入門 -pn接合ダイオードと光デバイス-」（コロナ社, 2018年3月)
Contact／お問合せ先
Office of International Online Education, University of Tsukuba:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmD-RV_TobmiibuBAT7ZfUxLm4kMByRPTe_NvK6y16nPBZbg/viewform?usp=sf_link
