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In April 2024, the next-generation synchrotron radiation facility Nano Terrace will begin full-scale operation. The economic impact over 10 years will be 1.9 trillion yen. Great hopes are pinned on the world’s most advanced facility, which will be built in Sendai. Photonics Innovation Center Chairman Masaki Takada: “We want to make Sendai the world’s number one innovation destination.” The year is 2024. Innovation in science and technology begins in Sendai. Nano Terrace, a next-generation synchrotron radiation facility, is being built on Tohoku University’s new campus in Aobayama. It produces synchrotron radiation that is a billion times brighter than sunlight, making it possible to observe atoms and molecules at the nanoscale. This is a photograph of cherries exposed to synchrotron radiation. The inside is transparent, so the nutritional pathway is clearly visible. The ability to understand the structure of previously invisible objects is expected to be used in a variety of fields, including breeding, understanding the causes of diseases, discovering drugs, and developing materials. Announcer Nishinoiri Natsuki: “Nano Terrace is where the technology that will decorate the future of Tohoku will be born. Let’s take a look inside and see what kind of object it is!” There are two and a half months left. the start of operations. Cameras are installed in the most advanced facilities in the world. First, go to the starting point where the “radiant light” is created. Center Director Wataru Utsumi of the National Institute of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology: “This is an area called a linear accelerator, or linac. This is where electrons are primarily created and accelerated.” The accelerators are lined up in a straight line without even the slightest deviation. The electrons created here are rapidly accelerated to almost the speed of light and pass through a straight tube approximately 110 meters long surrounded by synchrotron radiation. From there, the synchrotron radiation bypasses the ring accelerator and is separated from the electrons by a magnet. The destination is the “Experimental Hall”, a spacious stadium-like space. NanoTerrace specializes in observing soft materials such as living things and food. Center Director Utsumi Wataru of the National Institute of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology: “This will be a place where users will come here to conduct experiments and take measurements. This experimental hall has a square opening, 28 beams. Synchrotron radiation is extracted from the accelerator inside the wall through pipes, and the type of light is adjusted according to the material to be seen by the experimental equipment at the end. Users can observe substances at the nanoscale. Center Director Wataru Utsumi of the National Institute of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology: “We have a beam that covers all the areas we are good and weak in, so if you consult us here, you will be able to find out what’s inside.” At present, more than 200 universities and companies are considering it, including not only large companies but also 60 small and medium-sized companies. Nano Terrace has a system that we have introduced for the first time in the world. It is a “public-private regional partnership system” jointly managed by industry, local communities, universities and economic organizations. New innovations are expected to be born through the involvement of local communities and companies. Tohoku University, where Nano Terrace is located, is also one of the collaborating organizations. Chiba Daichi, Director of the International Center for Innovation and Intelligent Research at Tohoku University, said, “I think that these are not just research, but things that can lead to the creation of products, and companies and universities can work together to solve mysteries and create new styles of research. We are in an environment where it is easy to create Nano Terraces.” Tohoku University plans to build a “Science Park” at its new Aobayama Campus, where researchers from domestic and international companies and universities will gather to study the results of Nano Terrace. The goal here is not only to conduct research and development but also to develop human resources, and there are high hopes for Nano Terrace. Daichi Chiba, director of the International Center for Innovation and Intelligent Research of Synchrotron Radiation at Tohoku University: “Nano Terrace can be a place for research and development, as well as a place for education. Like Tohoku University, there are many things you can experiment with nearby. I think it can contribute to the improvement of science and technology for Japan as a whole.” NanoTerrace is attracting attention from all over the world. At the G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting held in Sendai in May 2023, ministers from developed countries toured this experimental hall and explained that NanoTerrace can be used in various fields such as clean energy. Once completed, this place will attract researchers from all over the world. The economic impact over 10 years is estimated at 1.9 trillion yen. Mr. Takada, Chairman of the Photonics Innovation Center, who was involved in the construction from the planning stage, is firmly aware of the importance of establishing Nano Terrace in Tohoku. Masaki Takada, Chairman of the Photonics Innovation Center: “When the earthquake happened, we received a lot of support from all over the country. Now we will start to repay the support we received. By creating this innovation, we will continue to support Japan. “I want to make a difference. This is my way of giving back to the people who received support after the Great East Japan Earthquake.” His focus is not only on Japan, but also on the world. Masaki Takada, Chairman of the Science Innovation Center: “The domestic production rate of NanoTerrace is close to 100%. By operating the best facility in the world, we hope to make Sendai the best place in the world for innovation.” A light of hope shining on Miyagi. and the world. In April 2024, next-generation innovation will finally begin.