Sensing of the atmosphere and the universe with millimeter waves provides us unique science topics. The oldest millimeter-wave signal in the universe is cosmic microwave background (CMB) which is the Big Bang’s remnant. Its precise observations provide us knowledge about the beginning of the universe. On the other hand, atmospheric radiation, i.e., today’s millimeter-wave signal, contains signs of torrential rains. This article introduces technological synergy among them. In particular, we developed atmospheric radiation monitor “KUMODeS” using patent technologies for a CMB project “GroundBIRD”, and we demonstrated it is useful for such a meteorological application. Sensing dark matter with millimeter-wave is also an attractive science topic. We newly launched the experiment for this purpose, which is named “DOSUE-RR”.

Electric double layer (EDL) is formed at the electrolyte / electrode interface and provides a field of energy storage or accumulated career conduction in addition to that of electrochemical reaction i.e. electron transfer with chemical bond rearrangement. In the present article, after introducing a newly developed microscopic technique of electrochemical frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy for analyses of electrochemical liquid / solid interfaces, two examples of EDL analyses are provided by combination of the microscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations for understanding how the ions and solvents respond and are rearranged by the electrode potential.

Lunar planetary rovers have been attracting attention in the world, as a space exploration apparatus. In fact, some rovers have explored on surface of Moon and Mars for the last fifty years. They have acquired very precious data in there. However, they had sometimes became a bad condition while they were traversing the surfaces like moon or Mars. It is so difficult for rovers to traverse loose soil because there are caused by slipping and sinking. The reason why these bad conditions are occurred have made clear in various experiments using a single wheel by our groups. From considerations of experimental results, a few new rovers have been developed by our groups. One of them is the rover that can get the supporting force using “Piles” installed on its body. Other has a function of Push Pull locomotion like an inching worm. Furthermore, in this paper to apply achievement so far, the development of the airless tires (for vehicles acting disaster areas) and the agriculture rover are introduced as devices working in the earth.

This article introduces “device-peeling technique” for fabrication of the lightweight and flexible bifacial Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGSe) solar cells. After a brief introduction of R&D in an emerging photovoltaic market, usefulness of the device-peeling methods for realization of the multi-functional CIGSe solar cells is explained. Based on our recent experimental results, accuracy of the device-peeling technique is discussed focusing on the orientation of MoSe₂ with a highly anisotropic two-dimensional layered structure. This method is attractive as a technology, which successfully eliminates a deterioration of substrate and transparent electrode materials caused by substrate heating during CIGSe crystal growth, and finally helps to realize multi-functional CIGSe solar cells, developing new photovoltaic markets.

In recent years, terahertz-wave researches have made remarkable progress toward practical applications through vigorous R&D in both the photonics and electronics fields. Backward terahertz-wave parametric oscillation (TPO) is a novel TPO with compactness that produces high-power terahertz-wave output simply by injecting near-infrared pulsed laser into an artificial periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal. Potentially, the broadband frequency tunability that continuously covers the sub-THz frequency range would be expected. Recently, basic experiments for imaging applications have also been started. In this paper, we introduce the cascade conversion, which improves the quantum conversion efficiency.

Development is being actively promoted for in-vehicle use and stationary use of alkaline-ion secondary batteries. In order to expand them widely, it is important to improve the performance of batteries, and it is also necessary to satisfy high reliability and safety and low cost at the same time. Our group has effectively connected computational science scheme by mainly first-principles calculations and fine analysis scheme by electron microscope and surface probe microscope. In this paper, we will introduce the current issues and future prospects of battery technology while incorporating the recent results as a few examples.

Most of spacecraft operate by electric power from a photovoltaic (PV) power system equipped on them. In space, PV systems suffer harsh environment in space such as radiation, high and low temperatures, strong ultraviolet light in addition to vacuum. This article practically describes what is the space environment and explains how space PV systems are designed to tolerate the environmental conditions in space. Particularly, the mechanism of radiation-induced damage on a solar cell and the structural designing concepts of space solar cells for improving radiation resistance are elaborated in this article. In addition, the future prospects of space PV systems are mentioned.