Greetings from the chair

Greetings from the chair

Throughout history, scientific progress has always relied on the ability to see. Careful observation is the foundation of new scientific insight. Among the many branches of quantum beam science and technology, the ion beam stands out as a powerful tool: by accelerating ions to high energies and colliding them with matter, researchers can probe the wide variety of physical phenomena induced by these interactions. In particular, by focusing an ion beam into a fine spot, ion microscopy—and more broadly, nuclear microprobe techniques—become possible.

Since their development in the late 1980s, these quantum beam microscopy techniques have advanced continuously, playing a vital role in deepening our understanding of matter and atoms at the microscopic scale. Progress in accelerator systems, beam-focusing technologies, and advanced data analysis has enabled fundamental studies of beam–matter interactions through the close collaboration of scientists and engineers. Building on this foundation, the synergy between experimental methods and theoretical approaches has fostered the blossoming of materials science research, leading to the creation of entirely new materials.

With the evolution of science and technology in the 21st century, applications of microprobe techniques have expanded far beyond materials science, finding increasing relevance in biology and medicine. The use of MeV ion beams in a surgical, highly controlled manner has provided essential knowledge that underpins today’s particle therapy. Furthermore, the cross-disciplinary expansion of these techniques has opened new applications in fields such as archaeology and environmental science, demonstrating the truly broad impact of nuclear microprobe research.

It is therefore a great pleasure and honor to host this distinguished conference in Sendai. We look forward to bringing together specialists and users of nuclear microprobe technology, centered on focused ion beams, for fruitful exchange of the latest knowledge, ideas, and discussions.