Final day of the exhibition

Today we spent the entire day at the nanotechnology exhibition. There were over 700 exhibits to see. I spent most of the day walking around collecting pamphlets and talking to people. Most companies there were selling scientific instruments like atomic force microscopes, but there were also several stalls selling nano-coatings for materials like aluminium, catalysts and nano-structured carbon like graphene or nano-tubes all of which were unique and innovative.

In the morning I wrote the interview which we conducted with a researcher from NEC for our group project. I then continued to explore some of the other areas of the exhibition like the 3D printing and the smart energy exhibits.

3D printed objects on display

The 3D printing exhibits were interesting. I didn’t realise how slow the process was. I also didn’t realise how much the quality varies based on the print time and material. It is worth noting that all the companies that I recall were either selling instruments or chemical catalysts or coatings. Which means that if I want to work for a company in the future these are the best directions to head during my studies. I must say, some of the coatings were really beautiful. That is the direction which interests me most.

Coloured coating for alimunum

I think I would have enjoyed the exhibition more if it was in English or if I could read Japanese. There were many posters and due to the language gap it is difficult to converse with people about their products. Given the nature of the exhibition, I felt like I was wasting peoples time. I was not there to buy anything or help the companies, I was there for my own benefit. It made it difficult for me to feel confident when approaching a stall. After the exhausting week walking over 20,000 steps a day, I was also in a lot of pain and my new fancy dress shoes were not helping.

Of force microscopy and industry linking

It is the start of a brand-new day where we troughed through the weather of Japan mornings. It seemed like second nature to dress warmly. However, today despite the low temperature, it did not feel as cold as it was compared to the previous days.

The schedule for today was a continuation of exploring the University of Tokyo. This time at Konaba Campus. Komaba campus homes the College of Arts and Science, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences and advanced research facilities. The Komaba campus is unique as it houses more than 7000 students in their freshman and sophomore year.  The students will then choose their majors after the second year. The Institute of industrial science was the place of visit. We were introduced to the Nano-probing Technology in Prof. Takahashi Lab where we learn about the various microscopy techniques used to characterise the nanomaterial synthesised.

The most common spectroscopy is using Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Kelvin-Force Microscopy (KFM) and Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). STM uses a current to detect the surface morphology whereas the other force microscopy uses the detection of force. We were given an introduction to the working principles of an AFM and some of its current research interest. Different research would use a different type of analysis and characterisation method.

In the multiple analysis of solar cell materials, the photovoltaic analysis is conducted using a KFM and a local photo-thermal spectroscopy by AFM. The KFM measure the electric potential by applying an electric bias between the sample. This allows for surface potential analysis which can be applied to solar cells as mentioned above. For solar cells, when exposed to light illumination, it is possible to localise the characterisation of the solar photovoltage distribution around grain boundaries. For a multi-crystalline silicon, the photovoltage measured will degrade underexposure and it can be seen as the appearance of recombination centres. However, in Cu(InGa)Se₂ it is inactive when exposed to illumination. The grain boundaries no not degrade. This is, therefore, a measure of the stability of solar cells and its ability to undergo many cycles before degradation occurs. I was awed at the application of a simple microscopy technique to be able to analyse the characteristic for different properties of the materials. A photothermal spectroscopy AFM measures the expansion of material due to light. I have never heard of such a measurement before and was intrigued by the ability for them to change photon energy to allow for selective radiation. Restriction of the band gap is required for not radioactive recombination detection. This awesome spectroscopy, microscopy method made me think if Singapore has these facilities to support the machines.

Image of the one of lab visited at the University of Tokyo, Komaba.

Another research project that made me feel that Japan has the best research facilities is their development of new SPM functions. In our lab in NUS, the AFM takes roughly about 2 – 5 minutes to scan for a small area small of about 0.3 nm by 0.3 nm. Whereas in Japan, the fast scanning AFM allows for a scan rate of 10 Hz/line. This would translate to around 30 seconds per sample. This is insanely faster! The modification to the AFM circuit was done. An additional add-on of an S/H alternate circuit. This addition of a circuit does not require a feedback loop which greatly slows down the process. This allows for fast imaging to potential landscape of surfaces and regulation of cantilever deflection was used to decrease thermal draft. This allows imaging to be more precise and less elongation due to thermal drift. It was really amazing to learn about the ways these researchers wanted to increase scanning rate and the results that came along.

Using S/H sampling circuit to obtain AFM image.

After the introduction of working principles, we were brought into the labs to witness with our own eyes the spectroscopy machines and how did they build the entire set up. During the lab visit, we were introduced to a liquid AFM where a mirror is placed 45^o with the cantilever in a vertical position. Currently, they are also trying to make the cantilever of about 8 Å for better detection and accuracy.

The visit to Komaba campus in the University of Tokyo was rather more on the educational side where we learn the techniques and application of different microscopy techniques.

After which, we proceed to make our way to the Nanotechnology Exhibition. I was excited to be here again as yesterday’s visit was too short and insufficient for me to enjoy and appreciate the entire exhibition. I visited entire exhibition and was very surprised at the difference between the researches done in schools and at industrial level. For me the most distinctive difference was the attitude towards different material, compounds, etc. For researches, we aim to find novel materials t improve our current problem yet these ideas are not able to take form immediately many companies are still very reliant conventual materials. Even some material where researches have deemed as not effective, not efficient, not reliable. Companies are still exploring to mass produce the old materials. The difference between research and demand in the world is different. Companies strive for lowest production cost possible whereas researcher aim for efficiency reliability of a materials. It is hard to find a company that would want to achieve both aims.

Overall the trip was inspiring as the seminars given out during the exhibition showcase the many possibilities and potential of the nano industries. It seems to have made my future slightly more bright with varying possibilities. I have also learnt that it is required for us to be flexible and think critically about the industry. Current industry may seem to be declining however, you have to look at its potential to determine whether the industry is truly declining or due to other reasons such as less funding, etc. Therefore, it was truly an eye-opening experience where I could spot and appreciate the difference and the gap between companies and researchers. Think twice if you think your invention can change the world! Will you even live to see that happen?

 

Inspiration and Opportunities

Finally! we kick-start the Nanotechnology Tour officially with an institute visit. Since the institute is located rather outskirts of Tokyo, we had to set off earlier than usual. It is the first time on taking the rapid train to Tsukuba. I was amazed at the chaotic order of the Japanese. At the station, despite having throngs and throngs of human traffic, they still queued orderly and showed the spirit of graciousness. It was actually rather therapeutic to see humans not clogging up the start of escalators, unlike Singapore where everyone tries to rush up as soon as possible.

Picture of Japanese queuing for the train.

Another peculiar sight was that the train timing was not according to minutes but rather the time of arrival. To add on, the timing they display was very precise and accurate. The train we took to Tsukuba was arriving at 08 19 hours which to me was very precise. And true to its display, we witness the train rolling in at 08 19 hours. The level of efficiency in Japan transport is something that I would be interested to study and look into detail the management of traffic as there are so many lines present in Tokyo. Is it a complex system or just a simple one?

There is always one thing I am always grateful for, which is the seat warmer in the trains. Especially in the cold, our body temperature would like dropped by quite a bit and these seat warmers made sure our muscles do not spaz halfway or cramp up due to the cold. The train station has a maximum depth of 40 m at Akihabara and not all stations are situated underground hence the train had to constantly travel up and down. It was as though I was sitting on a roller coaster except that this is enclosed and no random free falling.

As the train went further outskirts of Japan, we could spot some paddy fields along the way. Usually, they were located in places where it is along a river for easy irrigation of the fields. There was a drastic change in the architect of buildings observed and the landscape of Japan. The buildings were more sparse, larger in size and the exterior looked less organised. Long gone was the tall buildings, instead, most buildings were low. There were also a lot less traffic and fewer roads seen from the train. I could feel the pace of living in these areas slower as we can see the people in Tokyo centre are always rushing around from places to places.

After about 45 minutes train journey, we reached our destination. The first thing that blew me away was the wind. It was definitely chillier here and the temperature was definitely not 6 degrees as reported online. We were earlier than expected thanks to Japan’s transportation efficiency and had about an hour to roam around the area. The three of us – Amelia, Nicole and I made a wise decision to sit at Delifrance where the café was heated. It allowed us to sit comfortably and enjoyed the scenic view outside Tsukuba station.

Next stop, National Institute for Material Science (NIMS).

The exterior of NIMS looked like a typical exhibition or office. I would not have known that it was a research centre if it was not for Andreas our tour guide for the day. We were brought into an auditorium where we had speakers giving us an introduction to NIMS, some student programme available at NIMS and a special introduction to International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA). These speakers inspired me greatly as it showed the development of NIMS from a small institute to a now world-known institution. And I actually made a surprising discovery where my home university, National University of Singapore (NUS) is doing very well in research. I never knew NUS could rise above the rest and compete with larger universities. I am very proud to be a NUS student.

I was very interested in the internship programme offered by NIMS, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience research in Japan’s melting pot of diversity. According to the NIMS outreach officer, there are many researchers from all over the world coming to NIMS to carry out their research. It would be great for a fusion of aspiring scientists with similar interest to work together in the same research facility.

Next on the schedule was lunch! It was a great experience to eat from a cafeteria and having to wash our utensils, bowls, plates and cups after we are done. I felt as though I was part of the NIMS family, helping the aunties behind the counter to lighten their workload. I had tuna fish for lunch and I was amazed at the food quality and quantity. It would be the best place to hang out if I get accepted into the internship programme.

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Image of Tuna Fish Set.

The laboratory visits were very inspiring and it reflected the interest of the various researchers. Seeing their research scaled up would be ideal and a dream come true. I was particularly interested in the research done by the Thermal Energy Materials Group and Quantum Device Engineering Group. Both groups focus on two different aspects of research and it would be nice to work alongside with the researchers to understand the field better.

Some of the pictures that were taken during the Visit.

Unfortunately, the visit had to come to an end. Despite the short trip to NIMS, I have gained a lot of knowledge and insights by communicating with the various researchers. It was a fun and enjoyable visit and I hope to be able to step into NIMS again soon!

As tourists, we decided to explore Asakusa and hunt for dinner. My friend recommended a soy-based ramen stall that served delicious food at a good price. We headed down to the stall and I ordered dipping noodles. In Japan, it is common to have the noodles separated from the soup base. The noodles will then be dipped into the soup before consumption. The food was delicious and great as it managed to warm us up before heading out in the cold winter night of Tokyo.

Today, the visit it was definitely an eye-opener for me and it further spiked my interest in research in GREEN using nanomaterials and Quantum Engineering,