Exploring Novel Functional Materials
In this division, we are studying functional molecule-based materials, possessing novel electrical, magnetic and/or optical properties. The last five decades were the era of electronics. Now it is widely recognized that future advances in electronics would be achieved by fundamental research on the molecule-based and/or nano-materials. Our research activities include the elucidation of functional properties of open-shell compounds, such as organic radicals, transition metal complexes, etc., in which the spin and charge of electrons interact with each other. We are also promoting fundamental research on organic/molecular devices with properties like electroluminescence, transistor effect, etc., by developing organic synthesis, device fabrications, and characterization techniques. Through these studies, we hope to open a new research frontier for 21st century electronics.