- Q: What is your current research topic?
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We are developing devices such as generators and motors to utilize marine energy, as well as conducting applied research on the superconducting materials used in these devices and developing related technologies.
- Q: What motivated you to start your research?
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- When I was a student, I was researching in the field of condensed matter physics, but after obtaining my doctorate and working as a postdoctoral researcher, I began to think that it would not be interesting unless I could contribute to society and make concrete applications, not just academically. I am involved in research related to materials, and from the knowledge I have gained from that, I believe that if we can utilize the properties of materials, we can overturn conventional social concepts. To give a specific example, generators and motors, which are widely used in modern society, are technologically mature and, in principle, it is difficult to improve their performance any further. However, by changing the magnetic material used inside them to a superconducting material, it is possible to significantly improve the performance of the equipment. Motors and generators are indispensable devices in society, so improving their performance has a great impact on society. I came to this understanding through my research, and the clear goal of contributing to society through the results of my research has led me to my current position.
- Q: What is interesting, rewarding, and important about your research?
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I think all researchers feel the same way, but I feel a great sense of significance in "being the first in the world to accomplish something." Our research group has been promoting the technological development of motors and generators using superconducting materials, the first at a university in Japan. The device I developed to turn high-temperature superconducting materials into powerful magnets uses a unique technology that other research groups have not yet achieved. With conventional technology, it takes time and effort for superconducting materials to emit a strong magnetic field, and expensive superconducting magnets are required, but thanks to this, we can achieve a magnetic field several times stronger than permanent magnets and normal conducting electromagnets. If you use the new method that I have created from my research results, you can magnetize a magnetic field as strong as that of permanent magnets and normal conducting electromagnets in just two seconds, without using expensive superconducting electromagnets. Since it has not been possible to put into practical use a magnetic field stronger than permanent magnets or normal conducting electromagnets to date, there are no devices such as motors and generators that use such a strong magnetic field yet. However, as future research progresses, whether we improve the performance of conventional technology or develop a new concept device, I believe that in either case, the contribution to society will be immeasurable.
- Q: What kind of social impact can you expect from your research?
Please tell me about short-term (1-2 years from now) and long-term (up to 10 years from now) plans.
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- In the short term, there is great potential for application to offshore wind power generation. In Japan, the government is currently leading the way in putting offshore wind power generation into practical use. By using superconducting technology to reduce the weight of the heavy motors and gears at the top of offshore wind turbines, the