Electronics is governed by two fundamental properties of electrons: charge and spin. Our laboratory focuses on how to manipulate electron spins, as the fundamental source of magnetism, to apply this research to novel devices for a breakthrough in the limit of information processing technologies.
One of the most intriguing subjects in electron spin research today is materials with chiral structures. "Chirality" refers to a property where a structure cannot be superimposed onto its mirror image, like right and left hands or clockwise and counterclockwise spiral staircases. Recently, it has been reported that when an electric current passes through chiral materials, electron spins align in a specific direction. The direction of spin alignment depends on the handedness of the chiral material and thus a phenomenon is coined as Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS).
While CISS was initially discovered in chiral organic materials such as DNA, our laboratory found that chiral inorganic materials including quartz exhibit the CISS response.
Utilizing the well-equipped research facilities at Osaka Metropolitan University, our laboratory is studying material science and condensed matter physics: We synthesize crystals of inorganic materials, make micro- and nano-fabrications, and measure their properties such as electrical resistance and magnetism. Particularly, we are working on fabricating dedicated devices of chiral crystals to investigate the spin state while applying a current to them.
Recent studies clarify that CISS occurs across all scales, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, and report experimental findings beyond the conventional understanding of physics. Some hypotheses even propose that the left-right asymmetry in the biological system may have originated from this phenomenon. As a result, CISS research has gained interest not only in physics and electronics but also in chemistry and biology, making it a truly interdisciplinary field.
For students interested in fundamental issues in physics and pioneering research areas, this interdisciplinary theme presents an exciting opportunity.
Many students considering studying abroad may worry about language barriers. However, science itself is a universal language—scientists can communicate through data and findings, making language differences less of an obstacle. I encourage students to pursue their interests without fear of language challenges.
Furthermore, research findings are ultimately compiled into English-language papers and presented at international conferences. Since scientific work is not confined to national borders, students should take advantage of opportunities to communicate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and exchange ideas.
Osaka Metropolitan University offers comprehensive support for international students, and the students here are welcoming. I believe you can enjoy a fulfilling study abroad experience in this environment.
