一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST List of Products and Services

The white light interferometry measurement method is a device that enables non-contact (non-destructive) three-dimensional measurement of sample surfaces with "wide field of view, high vertical resolution, and wide dynamic range" using a high-brightness white light source. - Surface shape measurement device using a high-brightness white light source - Capable of three-dimensional measurement in a non-contact and non-destructive manner - Wide field of view (50μm×70μm to 5mm×7mm) - High vertical resolution (0.1nm) - Wide dynamic range (<150μm)

TG-DTA simultaneously evaluates weight changes due to heating (TG) and thermal behavior of endothermic and exothermic reactions (DTA). Additionally, TG-DTA-MS continuously assesses volatile components (MS) along with TG and DTA evaluations. - TG allows for the detection of weight changes on the order of percentage. - DTA provides insights into reactions such as pyrolysis, melting, sublimation, oxidation, combustion, and phase transitions. - MS enables the structural estimation of volatile components and decomposition products.

DSC can evaluate the physical properties of a sample based on the heat changes that occur during heating. - It can confirm melting point, crystallization temperature, glass transition temperature, Curie point, specific heat, and more. - It can be applied to measure crystallinity, purity, reaction rate, and crystallization rate. - Measurements can be taken below the freezing point, allowing for the evaluation of free water and bound water.

The photoluminescence method is a technique that involves irradiating a substance with light and observing the light emitted when excited electrons return to their ground state. Various information can be obtained from the resulting emission spectrum. - Samples with a bandgap of about 3.5 eV can be excited. - The mapping function allows for the acquisition of extensive information. - Measurements can be conducted down to approximately 10 K. - Generally, it is a non-destructive measurement that does not require special pretreatment.

RBS is a method that irradiates solid samples with ion beams (H+, He++) and measures the energy and intensity of ions scattered backward through Rutherford scattering. By measuring the kinetic energy of the scattered He ions and examining the mass number of the colliding atoms, it is possible to evaluate the components and layer structure of the analyzed sample. Additionally, by directing He ions at a solid sample and measuring the H ions scattered forward, it is also possible to assess the hydrogen concentration in the sample. This measurement technique is known as Hydrogen Forward-Scattering Spectroscopy (HFS). It is also referred to as Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (ERDA). - Analysis of elements from B to U is possible (H is also possible through HFS) - Quantitative analysis can be performed without using standard samples - Depth profile of composition distribution can be obtained - Density can be calculated from film thickness information obtained by other methods - Sensitivity and accuracy tend to increase with heavier elements - Non-destructive analysis

The TOC analyzer is a device that can evaluate the total carbon content in a sample (TC: Total Carbon), total organic carbon content (TOC: Total Organic Carbon), and inorganic carbon content (IC: Inorganic Carbon). - The organic component content can be evaluated as total organic carbon (TOC). - It can measure both liquid and solid samples. - It can measure total carbon content (TC: Total Carbon) and inorganic carbon content (IC: Inorganic Carbon).

On the surface of cell culture dishes, treatments are performed to convert hydrophobic plastic surfaces to hydrophilic ones in order to enhance cell adhesion. In this study, the surfaces of dishes that underwent hydrophilic treatment were evaluated using XPS and TOF-SIMS, revealing an increase in OH and CHO groups. By conducting quantitative evaluations with XPS and qualitative evaluations with TOF-SIMS, it is possible to capture how the surface has changed.

By using a Cs-corrected TEM device that compensates for spherical aberration, it is possible to observe the cross-sectional structure of devices with high resolution. In this case, we present data from high-resolution (HR)-TEM observations of the MTJ: magnetic tunnel junction part, extracted from a commercially available hard disk. Thus, it is possible to clearly observe the structure even in multilayer structures of ultra-thin metal films.

UV-Vis is a method that measures the absorbance and transmittance of a sample by irradiating the sample with light divided by wavelength and measuring the intensity of the light that has passed through the sample. By measuring absorbance, it is possible to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of the target components in the sample, as well as evaluate the wavelength characteristics of the sample. Additionally, transmittance measurements can assess the specific transmittance characteristics of components within the sample. - It is possible to obtain absorption and transmission spectra in the ultraviolet to visible to near-infrared regions (wavelength range approximately 190 nm to approximately 3000 nm).

Absolute PL quantum yield measurement is a method to determine the luminescence efficiency of a material, specifically how efficiently light (energy) absorbed by the material is converted into emitted light. - Since an excitation light source with a spectrometer is used, excitation at various wavelengths (approximately 350 to 800 nm) is possible. ■ Features of MST - The equipment is managed under controlled atmospheric conditions, allowing measurements of thin film samples without the influence of oxygen.

X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is a method that detects fluorescent X-rays generated by irradiated X-rays and performs elemental and compositional analysis by spectrally analyzing the energy and using a spectroscopic crystal. - The entire energy measurement range (from Na to U) can be measured simultaneously in a short time. - Suitable for the analysis of unknown samples. - Non-destructive analysis. - No pre-treatment is required except for special samples, allowing for easy analysis in the atmosphere. - Elemental analysis of large samples that cannot be moved is possible with a handheld device.

- It is possible to quantify water in the range of several ppm to several percent. - Solid samples that do not dissolve in the electrolyte can also be quantified.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis is a method used for structural analysis of organic compounds. NMR spectra are influenced by the spins of the atomic nuclei that make up the compound, and this influence is represented by the spin coupling constant. By evaluating this spin coupling constant, it becomes possible to identify compounds with complex structures or novel compounds. This document presents a case study analyzing the stereoconformation of fluorinated compounds based on a comparison between measured values of spin coupling constants and calculated values from quantum chemical calculations. Energy calculations of the conformations also allow for a comparison of stability. Measurement methods: Computational science, AI, data analysis, NMR Product field: Pharmaceuticals Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states, structural evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Lithium-ion polymer batteries are widely used in everyday products such as mobile batteries and electronic devices. This document presents a case study of analyzing a laminated lithium-ion polymer battery using X-ray CT. By using X-ray CT, it is possible to observe the internal structure of a 20mm x 40mm battery without destruction and to check for the presence and location of foreign objects or voids measuring a few micrometers. For more details, please download the document or contact us.

X-ray CT analysis allows for the non-destructive comparison and investigation of the structure and dimensions of components. This document presents a measurement case of a rubber O-ring used in vacuum equipment. To investigate a long-used item that is leaking gas, X-ray CT analysis and three-dimensional image analysis were conducted, comparing it with data from a new item. As a result, it was found that the long-used item had localized areas where the thickness of the ring was reduced, suggesting that leaks were occurring from those points. Measurement method: X-ray CT Product fields: Manufacturing equipment and parts, polymer materials, daily necessities Analysis purposes: Shape evaluation, film thickness evaluation, structural evaluation, failure analysis, defect analysis, degradation investigation, reliability evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

From very small and simple systems such as single molecules and clusters to relatively complex systems such as interfaces, defects, and external fields (electric fields, pressure, etc.), we can handle a wide range of scenarios. ■ Effective Situations - When you want to verify hypotheses established at the atomic or molecular level regarding the phenomenon of interest - When you want to perform detailed attribution and interpretation of various spectroscopic spectra ■ Features of MST - We can provide a one-stop service from the proposal of computational models to analysis - We have our own computational environment, allowing us to handle highly confidential data - Simulations leveraging the expertise of analysis and AI specialists are possible ■ Supported Computational Methods - Quantum chemical calculations - First-principles calculations - Molecular dynamics calculations

Hair that has been damaged by factors such as hair color, ultraviolet rays, and aging undergoes structural changes, and measuring these structural changes is important for the research and development of hair care products. In this case, we observed the structure of hair using X-ray CT. Furthermore, by performing image analysis on the obtained CT cross-sectional images, we created histograms of the void volume in the cortex and the spacing of the cuticles. By combining X-ray CT and image analysis in this way, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the three-dimensional structure of hair. Measurement methods: X-ray CT, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics Analysis objectives: Shape evaluation, structural evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR is a type of NMR analytical method used to identify low molecular weight compounds that interact with proteins, demonstrating significant power in drug screening and other applications. This document presents a case study where specific compounds that interact with a particular protein were identified from multiple compound groups using STD-NMR measurements. Measurement method: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis purpose: Screening, Drug Design, Interaction Evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

One of the processes that occurs when light is irradiated onto a material and the excited electrons return to the ground state is called photoluminescence. Among these, the method of instantaneously exciting a material using a pulsed laser and measuring the decay time of the emitted light is referred to as time-resolved photoluminescence, and by analyzing the obtained spectrum, the fluorescence lifetime can be calculated. By measuring the fluorescence lifetime of a material, the emission transient phenomena can be understood more dynamically. For this reason, fluorescence lifetime measurement is one of the effective means in the physical property research of organic materials such as organic EL materials, solar cells, photocatalysts, and biochemistry. This device enables the measurement of time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra on nanosecond and microsecond scales, as well as fluorescence lifetime measurement, by combining a picosecond laser with a spectrometer and a streak camera.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is an analytical method that can obtain various information about molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular mobility, targeting various compounds including organic substances. This document presents examples of measurements conducted with a super low-temperature probe, which achieved higher sensitivity compared to a general-purpose room temperature probe.

Pigment Red 254 (p-Cl DPP) is a type of DPP (diketopyrrolopyrrole) pigment that exhibits a vivid red color. DPP pigments are used as red pigments with excellent weather resistance, and due to their ease of mass production and low cost, they are also expected to be utilized as organic EL materials. This document presents a case study of UV-Vis spectrum simulation based on quantum chemical calculations targeting Pigment Red 254 in solution. By referring to the simulation results, the spectral shape of the measured data can be interpreted. Measurement method: Computational science and data analysis, UV-Vis Product fields: Lighting, displays, cosmetics, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC) are capacitors that have a laminated structure consisting of internal electrodes (metal) / dielectric layers (insulator) / internal electrodes (metal). One of the issues with MLCCs is the insulation degradation (lower resistance) of the dielectric layer under high electric fields and high temperatures, which can lead to short circuits between the electrodes. Visualizing the low-resistance conductive paths formed within the dielectric layer is an important clue to understanding the insulation degradation phenomenon. This document presents a case where the insulation degradation of dielectric materials due to temperature changes was visualized by combining SSRM measurement (high electric field) and heating mechanisms (high temperature). Measurement method: SSRM (Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy) Product fields: Dielectric materials, capacitors, MLCC Analysis objectives: Resistance value distribution, current distribution, insulation degradation evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

This explains the measurement of total light transmittance and total light reflectance.

NMN, a type of niacin derivative, is known to be involved in the function of sirtuin genes, often referred to as longevity genes, and has gained attention in recent years. This document presents a case where the NMN content of commercially available capsules was quantitatively analyzed using NMR without the use of standard samples. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis purpose: Impurity evaluation, Product investigation, Safety testing For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Generally, the field size and resolution of X-ray CT are in a trade-off relationship, where increasing the resolution results in a smaller field size. Therefore, X-ray CT has a imaging method called "stitching," which allows multiple CT images to be vertically connected. With the stitching imaging method, it is possible to observe a wide field size even under high-resolution conditions.

In this method, the differences in the mass of bases are analyzed using MALDI-TOF-MS to determine the DNA base sequence. This allows for the detection of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), INDELs (insertions/deletions), CNVs (copy number variations), and more. It is characterized by the ability to analyze a large number of samples and detect a wide range of genes at once. - Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF-MS enable simultaneous analysis of up to 40 mutation sites. - Mass spectrometry specialized for the detection of bases (A/T/G/C) is possible. - A variety of analytical tools are available that have been pre-designed to detect target genes based on specific purposes. - Custom designs for analytical tools are also possible.

Carrier lifetime refers to the time it takes for minority carriers among the excess carriers generated during the operation of electronic devices to decay to 1/e. Proper control of this is important for managing the electrical characteristics of the device. On the other hand, luminescence lifetime indicates the time until the luminescence intensity from the sample reaches 1/e, and it can be calculated from the luminescence decay curve. Since some minority carriers emit light during recombination, it is possible to indirectly evaluate the carrier lifetime from luminescence lifetime measurements. This document presents a case study on the evaluation of carrier lifetime for 4H-SiC epitaxial substrates. Measurement method: Fluorescence lifetime measurement Product fields: Power devices, LSI/memory, electronic components Analysis purposes: Failure analysis, defect analysis, product investigation, carrier lifetime, process evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide) is known to be involved in the function of sirtuin genes, which are also referred to as longevity genes, and has garnered attention in recent years. This document focuses on NMN, monitoring the changes in 1H-NMR spectra due to heating treatment in water, and presents an analysis of the decomposition and changes of NMN caused by heat. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis objectives: Composition evaluation, Identification, Impurity evaluation, Deterioration investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

This method is a gene analysis technique that utilizes mass spectrometry with MALDI-TOF-MS, allowing for the analysis of multiple SNP sites in a single measurement. Up to 40 SNPs can be measured simultaneously across 190 samples. The overall analysis follows the flow outlined below. Primers designed to amplify the target SNP regions without overlapping mass peaks, along with primers designed to extend only one base at each SNP site, are used to create mass differences in the DNA fragments, from which the bases are determined based on the detected mass peaks.

In electronic devices that use a lot of semiconductors, each component is mounted by soldering. If defects occur in the solder joints, it can lead to malfunctions in the electronic devices. Therefore, evaluating the wettability of solder is important for assessing the reliability of components. In this study, we artificially degraded the samples to examine how the wettability of the solder changes. After the constant temperature and humidity test, it was found that the wettability of the electrode surface changed. Measurement methods: Constant temperature and humidity test, solder wettability test Product fields: Power devices, LSI/memory, electronic components Analysis purpose: Degradation investigation, reliability evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), the main component of the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries, is known to undergo hydrolysis upon reaction with moisture, generating fluoride ions. This document presents a case where the concentration of fluoride ions produced by the atmospheric exposure of the electrolyte (1M LiPF6, EC:EMC = 3:7 v/v) was evaluated using 19F-NMR, which allows for absolute quantification without the use of standard compounds. Measurement method: NMR Product field: Secondary batteries and electronic components Analysis purpose: Failure analysis, defect analysis, degradation investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Aromatic azo compounds with reduction activity are attracting attention as low-environmental-impact next-generation organic active materials that can replace the currently dominant metal active materials in alkaline ion batteries and redox flow batteries. Evaluating battery performance is useful through the examination of the electronic structure and redox properties of materials using simulations in addition to experiments. This document presents examples of quantum chemical calculations of the reduction potential of azobenzene and its carboxylic acid derivative salts, as well as molecular orbital calculations. In this way, the electrochemical properties of materials can be estimated through simulations. Measurement methods: Computational science, AI, data analysis Product field: Secondary batteries Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states "For more details, please download the document or contact us."

Among physiological active compounds, there are many that act by targeting proteins. Therefore, obtaining structural insights into the interactions between small molecules and proteins is very important for drug development. This document presents a case study analyzing the interactions between L-tryptophan and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution using NMR and molecular dynamics calculations.

Acetate cellulose, obtained through the acetylation of cellulose known as a wood component, has high biodegradability and is widely used as synthetic resin, fiber, and film. It is known that the physical properties, such as solubility, change significantly depending on the degree of acetylation (degree of substitution of acetyl groups), making the evaluation of the degree of acetylation very important for industrial applications. This document presents a case study evaluating the degree of acetylation of commercially available acetate cellulose using 13C-NMR analysis. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biomass, polymer materials, cosmetics, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Structural evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Real-time PCR is a method that detects the amplification of DNA fragments from PCR reactions as a fluorescent signal for each cycle. This introduces SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) analysis using the probe method of real-time PCR. Specific base sequences (probes) labeled with a reporter (fluorescent dye) and a quencher (quenching substance) are used to repeat the three steps shown below: 1) to 3). By using different reporters for each base, the SNP base is identified from the fluorescence intensity. Reactions at each step: 1) Thermal denaturation DNA is converted from double-stranded to single-stranded. 2) Annealing and hybridization Primers and probes specifically bind to single-stranded DNA. 3) Extension reaction The probe is degraded by the extension reaction of the primer, releasing the reporter from the quencher, resulting in fluorescence.

SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) refers to the parts of the DNA sequence that differ by a single nucleotide among individuals. It is believed that SNPs can lead to different characteristics such as physical traits and are also related to drug response. Therefore, SNP analysis is expected to be applied in personalized medicine. This document introduces the characteristics of real-time PCR and mass array methods among SNP analysis techniques. It is effective to choose the method according to the specific SNP locations, number of SNPs, and their frequencies that need to be investigated.

We rapidly and accurately measure proteins and hormones present in human blood and urine with high sensitivity and precision. The ECLIA method (Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay) involves reacting antibodies (antigens) labeled with chemiluminescent substances with magnetic particle-bound antibodies (antigens), and measuring the amount of light emitted from this immunocomplex through a redox reaction on an electrode in the presence of TPA (Tripropylamine). In addition to over 60 test items corresponding to specialized fields such as thyroid, cardiology, and gynecology, we can also perform quantitative tests for antigens and antibodies related to infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus.

For the SiC transistor, where the leak location was identified using a backside emission microscope, cross-sectional SEM observation was conducted using Slice & View. With Slice & View, it is possible to capture images of the leak location without missing it by performing cross-sectional observations at a pitch of several tens of nanometers around the leak area. By converting the SEM images into 3D, the leak path can be confirmed. Measurement method: Slice & View, EMS Product area: Power devices Analysis purpose: Failure analysis, defect analysis, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

We conducted Slice & View on a SiC transistor where the leak location was identified using a backside emission microscope, and performed magnified observation and SEM-EDX analysis at the confirmed destruction site. Bright contrast was observed in the reflected electron images, indicating the segregation of Si and Ni. It is believed that some segregation of elements such as Si and Ni occurred due to the destruction caused by the leak. Measurement methods: Slice & View, SEM-EDX, EMS Product field: Power devices Analysis purpose: Failure analysis, defect analysis, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

NMR is a technique used to estimate the structure of compounds by observing the phenomenon (resonance phenomenon) in which atomic nuclei absorb specific electromagnetic waves corresponding to their respective chemical environments when exposed to electromagnetic waves in a magnetic field. The main constituent elements of organic compounds, such as hydrogen and carbon, allow for structural analysis and quantitative analysis of organic compounds through the measurement of 1H and 13C NMR spectra, based on their chemical shifts and integral intensities. Additionally, by analyzing the splitting patterns of the spectra, it is also possible to estimate the spatial relationships between the atomic nuclei. In inorganic compounds, insights regarding their structures can be obtained by measuring nuclei other than 1H and 13C, known as multinuclear nuclei (for example, 19F, 29Si, 31P, etc.). NMR includes solution NMR, used for samples soluble in solvents, and solid-state NMR, used for samples that are insoluble or poorly soluble in solvents.

It is possible to evaluate organic materials such as organic EL and proteins, as well as solutions, substrates, thin films, and powders of luminescent materials. It is possible to evaluate not only the fluorescence spectrum but also at which wavelength the most emission occurs (excitation spectrum). By using low-temperature measurements (77K) and the built-in shutter, it is possible to separately acquire fluorescence and phosphorescence.

TG-DTA-MS continuously evaluates not only TG and DTA but also the volatile components (MS). - TG allows for the detection of weight changes on the order of percentage. - DTA provides insights into reactions such as pyrolysis, melting, sublimation, oxidation, combustion, and phase transitions. - MS enables the structural estimation of volatile components and decomposition products.

In molecular dynamics simulations, the motion of particles (atoms and molecules) is simulated by applying Newton's equations of motion to individual particles, and the physical properties of the system are calculated based on statistical thermodynamics, along with evaluating the response and dynamics to external fields such as temperature and pressure. The results obtained are effective for predicting the structure and properties of materials and contribute to solving problems in research and development involving materials engineering and molecular biology.

It achieves high positional accuracy and wide-area cross-section production, making it usable as a new large-capacity analysis application. Even small structures within a large area can be targeted for processing, enabling wide-area structural analysis.

Analysis targets (Information such as composition and crystal structure is required for calculations) ? The main analysis targets are systems with periodicity, such as crystals. ? Calculations for systems with amorphous structures, surfaces, and interfaces are also possible. Obtained physical property information ? Crystal structure parameters (lattice constants, atomic arrangements, etc.) ? Electronic structure and spin states (charge distribution, band structure, Fermi surface, magnetic moments, etc.) ? Chemical bonding states such as covalent bonds and ionic bonds ? Stable structures and defect formation energies when lattice defects such as atomic substitutions and vacancies are present ? Formation energies and atomic arrangements of surfaces and interfaces ? Information related to chemical reactions, such as activation energies and structures of intermediates ? Electronic response characteristics such as dielectric functions, electrical resistivity, and Seebeck coefficients ? Thermodynamic quantities of solids, such as specific heat ? Various spectroscopic spectra (XPS, XAFS, etc.)