ABOUT
OUR LAB
Since October 2018, the Nishiura Laboratory has been operating as a collaborative division (formerly a core division), exploring plasma physics, fusion reactors, and space plasmas across a wide range of scales and perspectives. Research and development of fusion energy is essential for realizing a sustainable society. Our work spans from fundamental physics to industrial applications.
At the University of Tokyo’s RT-1 device (located at Kashiwa Campus), we reproduce planetary magnetospheric plasmas in the laboratory to investigate the physics of spontaneous structure formation (self-organization). By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to elucidate detailed physical phenomena that cannot be captured by space probes, thereby contributing to the advancement and systematization of space and high-temperature plasma physics.
At the Large Helical Device (LHD) of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, we conduct advanced research on burning plasma physics using one of the world’s leading fusion facilities. We are developing measurement and analysis techniques for high-energy ions generated in fusion plasmas, aiming to unravel the complex physical processes occurring in high-temperature plasmas. This research is crucial for establishing self-sustained burning scenarios required to extract energy from fusion reactors.
We are also actively engaged in applying the technologies cultivated through our research to broader societal implementation.
INVITED TALKS &
PUBLICATIONS
PRESS RELEASE
- 1)"Discovery of spontaneous inflow and outflow states of high-temperature plasma by energetic ions" 23-Jun-2024
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1048779 - 2)"Laboratory study on conditions for spontaneous excitation of 'chorus emission,' wave of space plasma" 16-Feb-2024
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1034207 - 3)岐阜新聞 3面，"低周波で長時間出力のプラズマ加熱装置 核融合炉小型化へ道 "，2024年2月10日(in Japanese)
- 4)京都フュージョニアリング，核融合科学研究所，筑波大学，各社・大学ホームページ，"35GHz低周波数ジャイロトロンシステムの性能試験において、3秒間の1MW級での出力を実現 - 産学、国際協力のもと、フュージョンエネルギーの実現に向けたマイルストーンを達成 - ",2024年1月12日(in Japanese)
RECENT INVITED TALKS
Invited lecture on laboratory magnetospheric plasma heating and self-organization experiments and simulations, and on the development and application of advanced diagnostic methods for high-energy ions and α-particles in fusion plasmas.
- 1)西浦正樹, “速度空間における高エネルギーイオン分布の歪みに起因するプラズマの径方向輸送の発現”, 日本物理学会2025年春季大会, 2025年3月18日-21日，オンライン(in Japanese)
- 2)西浦正樹, “非等方・非熱化高エネルギーイオンとバルクプラズマ輸送の関係性:～LHD実験からITERとその先へ”, 第41回プラズマ・核融合学会年会, 2024年11月17日-20日，東京都江戸川区タワーホール船堀(in Japanese)
- 3)M. Nishiura et al., “Particle transport control by auxiliary heating systems in LHD”, 24th International Stellarator Heliotron Workshop(ISHW2024), 9-13 Sept. 2024, Hiroshima, Japan.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
- 1)M. Nishiura, A. Shimizu, T. Ido, S. Satake, M. Yoshinuma, R. Yanai, M. Nunami, H. Yamaguchi, H. Nuga, R. Seki, K. Fujita, M. Salewski, “Core density profile control by energetic ion anisotropy in LHD”, Physics of Plasmas 31 (2024) 062505, 1-6.
- 2)M. Nishiura, S. Adachi, K. Tanaka, S. Kubo, N. Kenmochi, T. Shimozuma, R. Yanai, T. Saito, H. Nuga, R. Seki, “Collective Thomson scattering diagnostic with in situ calibration system for velocity space analysis in large helical device”, Review of Scientific Instruments 93 (2022) 053501, 1-8.
- 3)M. Nishiura, T. Shimizu, S. Kobayashi, T. Tokuzawa, K. Ichinose, S. Kubo, “Q-band high-performance notch filters at 56 and 77 GHz notches for versatile fusion plasma diagnostics”, Review of Scientific Instruments 92 (2021) 034711, 1-4.
ORGANIZED SYMPOSIUM
- 1)US-Japan Workshop on RF Heating and Current Drive Physics March 17th-19th,2025
- 2)US-Japan Workshop on RF Heating and Current Drive Physics Feb 20th-22nd,2024
- 3)日本物理学会年会 領域2シンポジウム，2018年03月 東京理科大学．
「境界・層(boundary・interlayer)が織り成す多様な物理～宇宙から実験室プラズマまで」(in Japanese)
PATENT
- 1)Patent Number: Japanese Patent No. 7197956
Title of Invention: Notch Filter
特許番号:特許第7197956号，発明の名称：ノッチフィルタ，登録日 令和4年12月20日.
Registration Date: December 20, 2022 (Reiwa 4)
Publication Date: December 28, 2022 (Reiwa 4)
A news article featuring the millimeter-wave filter is now available. https://www.ppl.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/nishiura/news/news201205en.html
The related paper was published in the journal Review of Scientific Instruments on March 12.
MEMBERS
Masaki Nishiura
Masaki Nishiura
Masaki Nishiura- Associate Professor (Phase Space Turbulence Unit, National Institute for Fusion Science
Visiting Associate Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
- Leads research on plasma turbulence, energetic ions, and α-particle heating.
National Institute for Fusion Science
- Ryoma Yanai - Assistant Professor
- Kenji Ueda - Postdoctral researcher
- Akiko Morinaga - Administrative Support
- Yukio Nakajima - Administrative Support
Doctoral Program, Department of Advanced Energy
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- Mingzheng Gong
- Yize Zhang(Associate Researcher)
Master's Program, Department of Advanced Energy
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- Nozomu Shirokoshi
ADMISSIONS
Nishiura Laboratory – Information & Lab Tours
~ Start pioneering research for the future, right here ~
About Lab Tours
Choosing a laboratory is an important step in shaping your future. At Nishiura Laboratory, we welcome visitors at any time and can offer both online and on-site information sessions upon request. If you are interested or considering entering graduate school, please feel free to contact us. We will fully support your desire to “learn” and “conduct research.”
Our laboratory explores cutting-edge themes such as plasma physics, fusion energy development, and space plasma, from a variety of scales and perspectives. Current research topics include:
- Development of advanced diagnostic techniques (coherence imaging spectroscopy, electromagnetic wave scattering, beam probes)
- Data analysis for plasma physics using machine learning
- Plasma heating studies using high-power gyrotrons
- Turbulent transport analysis through theoretical simulations
Fusion energy development research is crucial for realizing a sustainable society. We are also actively engaged in collaborations with industry, including joint research with fusion startups and major corporations. We look forward to hearing from motivated individuals!
How to Participate in an Information Session or Lab Tour
Please contact the laboratory via the “Inquiry” link at the top right of our homepage. We will provide details on available dates for the session or tour.
Information Session & Lab Tour (The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa Campus)
We will answer questions about our research, student life in graduate school, research at overseas institutions, and presenting at conferences both in Japan and abroad. For remote sessions, we use email, ZOOM, or Microsoft Teams.
The entrance examination briefings for the Department of Advanced Energy will be held on Saturday, April 26, 13:30– and Wednesday, May 7, 16:00–. Please check the department’s official website for details.
https://www.ae.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/
CONTACT &
ACCESS
Nishiura Laboratory
Department of Advanced Energy Engineering,
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
Office Tel : +81-4-7136-3991
Laboratory Tel/Fax : +81-4-7136-3991 / +81-4-7136-3992
Nishura：nishiura@ppl.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp
COLLABORATION
Our laboratory conducts collaborative research with domestic and international research institutes and companies on topics including fusion and plasma experiments, millimeter-wave plasma heating systems, millimeter-wave diagnostics and component development, Pockels effect electric field sensors, coherence imaging spectroscopy, and more.
If you are interested, or if your university, company, or research institute has seeds or needs in these areas, please feel free to contact us.
- Domestic