Studies on Electronic Properties of Solids in Japan : Traces toward Microscopic World(Physics in Japan: The Past 100 Years and the Prospect)

Abstract

Properties of solids are determined by the microscopic structure where quantum mechanics stands. Throughout the 20^th century physicists have made progress in developing the methods to explore the microscopic world of materials. In the latter half of the 20^th century, starting with catching-up modes, Japanese solid-state physicists have been at some leading edges in the last decade. Traces towards the frontiers are briefly reviewed placing emphasis upon the material development and the investigation, and ways to go are mentioned.