S&T出版 List of News Articles

This text systematically explains the etching technology that is essential for semiconductor manufacturing, covering everything from the basics to the latest trends. It details the development trends of advanced semiconductors, the principles of dry etching and wet etching, applications by material type, and cutting-edge atomic layer etching. The target materials include not only silicon-based materials but also compound semiconductors, encompassing a wide range of applications from miniaturization and three-dimensionalization to optical devices.

This seminar will explain the operating principles of optical modulators that support optical fiber communication and optical measurement/sensing, as well as the latest research trends. While some mathematical expressions are necessary for understanding optical modulators, the goal of this seminar is to achieve an intuitive understanding. In addition to an overview of optical fiber communication systems, which are application areas for optical modulators, we will also introduce modulation techniques for precision measurement.

The previously held assumptions about the shrinking Japanese market and the reduction of electricity demand due to energy conservation are being shaken. Japan has set an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 73% by the fiscal year 2040 in its 7th Basic Energy Plan. However, the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO) has revised its forecast, indicating that electricity demand in fiscal year 2034 will increase by 6.2% compared to the forecast for fiscal year 2024. Looking at the world as a whole, electricity demand is on the rise. Reasons for this include the spread of AI (artificial intelligence), the establishment of new data centers, and the expansion of semiconductor factories, all contributing to increased electricity demand. AI searches consume ten times more electricity compared to regular Google searches. On the other hand, the proliferation of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has led to significant fluctuations in electricity supply output due to seasonal, time, and weather variations, making electricity demand-supply adjustments even more challenging. As the situation surrounding electricity becomes more complex, this article will clearly explain the business opportunities created by balancing decarbonization, energy security, and stable electricity supply, based on the 7th Basic Energy Plan approved by the Cabinet in February 2025, including batteries and transmission lines.

We will introduce the performance improvement, workability enhancement, resource measures, and cost reduction of EV motor cores using electrical steel sheets, pressed powder magnetic cores, and iron-based amorphous alloys, along with the applicable motor performance and characteristics, to leading researchers in each material field.

Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials are widely used to reduce noise and create a comfortable living and working environment. However, if used incorrectly, there is a risk that the expected effects may not be achieved. In material development, understanding the phenomena and designing appropriate materials and structures are crucial. This presentation will explain the basic content necessary to understand sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials, as well as their characteristic evaluation and applications. Additionally, it will introduce acoustic metamaterials, which have gained attention in recent years.