Purpose of Establishing this Organization

１．Present State of Nanotechnology

1. Nanotechnology is attracting severe competition as one of the most important technologies to usher a new industrial revolution. In this scenario, even a miniscule delay on Japan's part to keep up with the technology may lead to a fatal blow to Japan's future.
2. Nanotechnology operates on atoms and molecules on the nano-meter scale, and by controlling the arrays and structure of substances, it exploits the unique characteristics of nano-size particles to create new, excellent characteristics of substances.
3. Nanotechnology has discovered revolutionary knowledge and elements, substances in areas as diverse as electronics, material science, chemicals, machines, life sciences, which is beyond our wildest imagination. It is expected that nanotechnology would bring about a new industrial revolution.
4. It is one of the four main technologies (life science, information technology, environment, nanotechnology/materials) as defined in the "Basic plan in science and technology", and hence, as a country, it is a field to be concentrated and focused on.
5. It is a "backbone technology" that is essential for promoting research and solving problems in life science, information technology, environment, and energy.

２．Why nanotechnology

1. Nanoscale technology is expressed through nano-scale observation, processing, atom-molecule operation represented by the scanning tunneling microscope. Using self-organization phenomenon and information (programs), substances with near biologogical high quality can now be created (bottom-up)
2. There is a desperate search for a mechanism to solve the physical limit on the size of semi-conductors, which support the Information Technology. Micro-nano processing is said to be the key technology to this solution. (top-down)
3. A new frontier in nanotechnology is opening up with the fusion of the technology of analyzing atoms and molecules right upto nanoscale. (top-down), and the technology to create new substances and materials from atoms and molecules (bottom-up) 【Please refer to figure 1】

３．Important issues

1. Development and promotion of the "ultimate micro-process" that integrates micro-nano processing (top-down) and atom/molecule building (bottom-up).
2. Creation of new materials, devices, and systems that are useful to man and environment while learning from beneficial characteristics of living organisms and creating a design that has fully exploited information (programs).
3. To fulfill its role as a key technology to present a new dimension to solving problems in life science, communication information, and environment. To develop and expand the industrial applications of nanotechnology.

４．Vision of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center

（１）To have high potential and results in research of important elements that would be the backbone of nanotechnology, and can have industrial applications.

●Process technology to implement nanotechnology

• Hyperfine nano processing using quantum beam
• Atom/molecule building technology using micro-control layer technology
• Self-organization technology of atoms and molecules, supermolecule synthesis technology
• Bulk texture control technology

●Atom/molecule/nanolevel characterization technology

• Nanostructure and analysis of inorganic composite materials and metallic nanoparticles using transmission electron microscope(TEM)
• DNA analysis technology using Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM)
• Creation and measurement applications of quantum beam
• Biodynamic analysis technology

●Science and technology that guides and supports nanotech research

• Improve the knowledge and information systems related to nanotechnology
• Develop a method to design nanomaterial substances

Making full use of the above, we have had considerable success in the following:

1. Establishment of electron beam process and hyperfine nano process
2. Creation of Functionally Harmonized Artificial Lattices having giant-size physical properties
3. Design and synthesis of light energy conversion supermolecules
4. Creation of new nanomaterials
5. Achievement of a breakthrough in the functionality of bio-vectors

Having the research potential and results as mentioned above, our organization is a unique research organization that has integrated research fields of lifescience, information, and materials.

（２）Aims of the New Center

1. From among the numerous results we have achieved at this center, we have established the new center to promote research in nanotechnology that has been brought about by the fusion of micro-nano processing (top-down) and atom-molecule building (bottom-up)
2. The center will work for industrial applications of nanotechnology such as creating nano-devices and systems and implement special methods of evaluating them, considering real-life applications and co-operation from enterprises.

（Description of the Research）

【Please refer to figures １、２、３、４ 】

1. Development and promotion of the "ultimate micro-process" that integrates micro-nano processing (top-down) and atom/molecule building (bottom-up).
2. Using this "ultimate micro-process", creating and developing industrial applications of super-five-sense sensors, brain-wave devices, supermolecules, unimolecular element collection devices, environment-friendly nano-materials, and terabit nanospin electronics.
3. Building a Backbone Technology
   • Fabrication: atom/molecule building technology and mirconano processing using quantum beam 　
   • Develop a nanotechnology information database, nano-bio data mining, nanomaterial system design program to support the above objectives.
4. Characterization: Nano-measurement and diagnosis using atomic resolution electron microscope, Scanning Probe Microscope having molecular resolution, nanoprobe dispersion, and quantum beam.

Each department of the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center carries out integrated research in fields of prime importance for industry, such as materials, information technology, and life science. We intend to promote applications of nanotechnology in these areas at our center.

（３）Description of the Research

【Please refer to figures ５、６、７、８ 】

1. Implementation of quantum beam nano-fabrication below 1.3 nm.
2. Development of high-functional "Bio-information material system" that is nano-controlled.
   1. super-five-sense sensors, brain-wave device beneficial for human beings
   2. Terabit nano-spin electronics
   3. New high-functional nano-composites that would surpass the existing materials by far in quality
   4. Non-polluting nano implementations
   5. Supermolecules, unimolecular element collection device that surpasses biological components.
   6. Molecular motor, pinpoint drug delivery system
   7. High-functional nano-bio chip
   8. Systematization of nano-bio data mining. Promotion of technical transfer from nanotechnology to industry.