Research on nanoparticles has advanced rapidly since the 2000s. However, most studies to date have focused on particles 5 nanometers or larger in size. Against this backdrop, in recent years, increasing attention has been given to atomic clusters—structures approximately 1 nanometer in size, consisting of anywhere from several up to a few dozen atoms. Lecturer Takamasa Tsukamoto, at #UTokyo_IIS , is pioneering a groundbreaking method for synthesizing these atomic clusters, which hold untapped potential. At the same time, he is also working to identify the periodicity (i.e., the recurring regularity) of atomic clusters and delve deeper into their fundamental nature. We spoke with Tsukamoto to find out what has been discovered and what new possibilities lie ahead.

Researchers from #UTokyo_IIS have found a surprisingly simple way of understanding social-distancing behavior during an epidemic

Quantum computers are developing rapidly in countries around the world. They are believed to have the potential to achieve computation speeds up to 100 million times faster than conventional computers. As an example, this would allow calculations that currently take over three years on a supercomputer to be completed in a single second. Quantum bits are a critical and foundational component of quantum computers, and Associate Professor Kazuyuki Kuroyama of the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, has achieved noteworthy results in his research aimed at expanding their potential. His research focuses on enabling the transfer of information between different types of quantum bits. What does this entail, and what possibilities does this research open up? We asked Kuroyama.

Researchers at #UTokyo_IIS study the dynamics of cooperative molecular rearrangements in glassy materials using computer simulations, which may lead to improved glass manufacturing.

The government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, provided support for the development of the new campus of IIT Hyderabad in the form of design work for six complexes. This work was done by experts from #UTokyo_IIS. The work commenced in 2011 and was completed earlier this year.

Researchers from #UTokyo_IIS have combined techniques to determine the location of hydrogen in titanium hydride nanofilms.