“Quantum liquid crystal” is a new generic term for electronic states similar to liquid crystals that appear in materials due to quantum mechanical effects. In liquid crystals, the molecules themselves have directionality, whereas in quantum liquid crystals, quantum mechanical freedom is achieved. Depending on the degree of direction, it exhibits directionality and exhibits various unique electronic properties (spin liquid crystal, electronic nematic order, counter-density wave, etc.) reminiscent of the liquid crystal state. The purpose of this new academic field is to elucidate the physical properties of “quantum liquid crystals” and enable their control through new collaborative research beyond existing fields. In particular, we will elucidate the ground state of quantum liquid crystals, explore basic theories of universality and diversity that appear in various quantum liquid crystals, and further elucidate and control elementary excitations of quantum liquid crystals using advanced technologies, flexibly change We aim to lay the foundation for future new technology using the high-speed and huge response due to the characteristics and quantum properties of the liquid crystal to be used.

　In this area, new fusion research is promoted by classifying and organizing into the following four research items according to the research methodology, and placing researchers who mainly target different substances in each item.

[Research items A01 Development of quantum liquid crystal materials]
Creation of materials realized by novel quantum liquid crystals
Quantum liquid crystal states with non-trivial symmetry breaking are regarded as the stage of manifestation of novel physical properties, spin liquid crystals exhibiting unusual symmetry breaking in spin alignment, charged liquid crystals with anisotropic electronic states, and exotic super Promote the development of conduction (electron vs. liquid crystal). Specific targets include new metal-insulator transition systems, conductive multiferroics, and room-temperature quantum liquid crystal materials. By combining various synthesis and evaluation methods in a complementary manner, the search for new materials will be promoted.

[Research items B01 Precision measurement of quantum liquid crystal]
Elucidation of quantum liquid crystals governing physical properties
By combining state-of-the-art precision physical property measurement technology, we will elucidate the relationship between abundant physical properties resulting from quantum many-body effects and quantum liquid crystals. Imaging technology with sensitivity to charge and spin, acquisition of spatial information by quantum beam diffraction, detection of symmetry breaking by nuclear magnetic resonance and nematic susceptibility, etc., elucidation of elementary excitation by tunnel spectroscopy and quantum beam inelastic scattering, Perform hierarchically and across materials. In addition, we will develop a new measurement method with temporal and spatial resolution to elucidate the dynamics of quantum liquid crystals.

[Research items C01 Theoretical construction of quantum liquid crystals]
Creation of concepts common to quantum liquid crystals
Elucidating the universal principles underlying various quantum liquid crystals and aiming to build the theory of quantum liquid crystals. Based on microscopic theory, we will derive a spatially spread order variable involving multiple degrees of freedom (charges, spins, orbits) of electrons that can be said to be a feature of quantum liquid crystals. In addition, we will propose the control theory of quantum liquid crystals, develop theories of novel transport and non-equilibrium phenomena, and further work on the theory of material design that realizes the quantum liquid crystal state by using first-principles methods.

[Research items D01 Control and function of quantum liquid crystal]
Creation of quantum liquid crystal technology
We will elucidate the substance of elementary excitation that generates high-speed giant response, and control the elementary excitation and orientation of quantum liquid crystals by external fields to create functions. To that end, we have newly developed cutting-edge technologies such as microfabrication technology for quantum liquid crystal materials, ultrafast electron microscopes, and soft X-ray imaging, and combined electrical approaches based on nanoscience and spectroscopic approaches based on ultrafast optical technologies, Realize control of the macroscopic nature of electronic states with unique flexibility.