ＭＲＳ-J News Vol.14 No.4  Nov. 2002

To the Overseas Members of MRS-J

■Basic Science for Ceramic Nanotechnology
Prof. Junichi HOJO, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
　Nanotechnology is the key for creating new functional materials. Special ceramics can be formed by chemical design. Nanoparticles are interesting in a quantum size effect. The excellent thermal prope
rty of inorganic fibers is achieved by precursor design. Sol-gel techniques are available for thin film electronic device. Organic-inorganic hybrids are prepared by polymerization. Organic templates form mesoporous materials. Patterning of colloidal particles is possible by assembly of organic molecules. The chemical design means thestructural control from atomic or molecular level, and will develop
on the basic science.

■Material Research at Basic and Advanced Research at the Division of CRL (Communications Research Laboratory)―Hard and Soft Material Research for Info-communication
Dr. Toshikazu ITABE, Executive Director, Basic and Advanced Research Division, Communications Research Laboratory, Independent Administrative Institution
　Demand for the info-communications for the whole society will dramatically increase as the capacity of data communications increase in21st century. The info-communication networks consists of optical
fiber communication links, spurring innovation in information technology. Basic and advanced research division of CRL (Communications Research Laboratory) has been conducting researches to produce innovative technologies for information and communication. The researchesrelated bio-, nano-superconductive, optical technologies are doing at the division. Brief introduction of these researches and CRL is reported.

■Polymers for Light-waveguide and the Applications to Interconnection Module and Light Switches
Dr. Tohru MARUNO, Director, NTT Photonics Laboratories
　Low cost and high-performance devices are expected to be constructed using polymer-based light-waveguide that features high thermo-optical effect of polymers. Here, we introduce our recent developmentsin the study of polymers for light-waveguide, light-interconnection module and light switches (Y-branch type 1×2 or 1×8 TO switch) as well as several kinds of formation processes of polymer waveguide.

■Report of 1st International Conference on Materials Processing for Properties and Performance (Mp3)
Prof. Hiroshi YAMAMOTO (Nihon University)
　The first Mp3 was held at Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel, on 1-3 Aug. The conference was organized by Institute of Materials (East Asia) and fully supported by Nanyang Technological University. The chairman, Prof. Khor was so aggressive. The following topics were discussed.
・Novel Ceramic Membranes for Environmental Applications
・Fuel Cell Technology: Bridging Processing and Performance
・Biomaterials: Bridging Materials Properties and Biomedical
・Technological Advance&Performance of Engineering Thin Film&Surface Coatings
・Nanomaterials Technology: Processing and Performance
・2nd International Symposium on Spark Plasma Sintering (ISSPS)-2002
　About 450 researchers attended the conference. The second Mp3 will be held in IUMRS-ICAM2003, Yokohama next year.