Research Purpose

To advance research on the collective behavior of charged particles across a wide range of scales—from microscopic to macroscopic—including plasma fusion, plasma physics, space and astrophysical plasmas, muon science, antimatter plasmas, and quantum many-body systems, it is essential to determine how to measure and control collective phenomena in many-particle systems and to extract the essential physics of the target phenomena.　Accordingly, this unit defines its core concept as understanding the collective properties of charged particle ensembles with diverse energy levels, and controlling and applying these ensembles by leveraging those properties. Based on this concept, the unit aims to further enhance measurement and control technologies cultivated in various cutting-edge experimental platforms, including plasma and fusion science experiments, while also developing new technologies. At the same time, it seeks to explore new developments in the natural sciences that transcend disciplinary boundaries—such as physics, engineering, and mathematics—and to create a collaborative environment that fosters interdisciplinary integration and maintains a broad, forward-looking perspective.

Within this unit, we will integrate cutting-edge academic knowledge—centered on plasma and fusion science—including plasma physics and applied engineering, beam physics and engineering, photonics and laser science, atomic and molecular science, electrical and electronic engineering (including power engineering and electromagnetic wave engineering), materials science, and cryogenic physics and superconducting engineering. We will also consolidate expertise in related extreme technologies, such as vacuum technology; techniques for the generation, confinement, transport, and control of plasmas and charged particles; particle and energy circulation technologies; high-voltage technology; laser technology; electrical, electronic, power, and electromagnetic technologies; superconducting technologies; various detection and measurement techniques; and radiation handling technologies. By bringing together these capabilities, we will steadily advance the sophistication of control systems for charged particle ensembles, while also contributing to the development of the underlying academic disciplines and technologies. Furthermore, through collaboration and co-creation with other fields, we aim to bring about qualitative transformations in the advancement of the natural sciences and to pursue new frontiers of research.

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Research Plan

We will target our approach to existing and new plasma devices around the world. The research themes currently planned for implementation are neutral beam injectors (NBI), antimatter plasmas, fusion of muon and fusion science, electric propulsion, and RF-heating. The NBI and RF-heating research centers are located at NIFS, while the other three research themes have research centers outside NIFS.