Master in Materials Science

Electrons, when confined in a nanometer-sized space (1 nanometer = 10-9 m), remarkably begin to behave like waves. For example, an organic molecule can be considered as a quantum state in which electrons are confined in an nm space consisting of atoms connected together. Semiconductor nanoparticles show colors different from those of bulk solids due to this quantum size effect.

The Quantum Materials Science Laboratory studies molecules, crystals, nanoparticles, and ultrathin films of both organic and inorganic materials, utilizes various optics-based experimental approaches to clarify material properties from the viewpoint of quantum physics, and aims to create new functional materials that will be used in optical information-communication or environment-conscious devices in the future.

Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) is a Japanese national university located in Kansai Science City, a border region between Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto. Founded in 1991, NAIST consisted of graduate schools in three integrated areas: information science, biological sciences, and materials science. In 2018, NAIST underwent an organizational transformation to continue research in these areas while promoting interdisciplinary research and education across traditional fields. With this new single graduate school organization, NAIST strives forward with the objectives of conducting cutting-edge research in frontier areas and training students to become tomorrow's leaders in science and technology.