Dr. Kenji Yasuda (at the time research), Department of Applied Physics, received “JSPS Ikushi Prize”

On 6th February 2019 (Award ceremony 8th March 2019), Dr. Kenji Yasuda (at the time research), Department of Applied Physics, received “JSPS Ikushi Prize”.

In 2009, JSPS received an endowment from Emperor Akihito on the 20th year of his reign. Amidst a severe economic environment in Japanese society, His Majesty’s desire was to encourage and support young scientists who are working diligently to advance their studies and research. In deference to his wishes, JSPS established the Ikushi Prize program and placed it into operation in FY 2010. It functions to formally recognize outstanding doctoral students who can be expected to contribute to Japan’s future scientific advancement.

<About awarded research>

The present research has found novel physical properties and functionalities on magnetic topological insulators, a newly found class of materials. Focusing on the strong correlation between electricity and magnetism in magnetic topological insulators, which is otherwize extremely tiny, I discovered current-direction-dependent nonreciprocal resistance, current-induced magnetization reversal and chiral edge conduction at the domain wall. I also elucidated the origin of these phenomena and deepened the understanding of the topologically nontrivial electronic state. Presently, all these phenomena are realized only at extremely low temperatures. I am conducting further research for a high-temperature realization aiming at future applications as low-energy-consuming devices.

<Comments>
I am deeply honored to receive this great award. I would like to express my special appreciation to my advisor Professor Yoshinori Tokura, all the members of the research group and collaborators.

(https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-ikushi-prize/outline.html Quoted from)

JSPS Ikushi Prize : https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-ikushi-prize/data/awards/9th_Ikushi_list_en.pdf