How to Use NanoTerasu

NanoTerasu can be used through two main frameworks: "Coalition Use" and "Shared Use" based on the Law on the Promotion of Shared Use. The Photon Science Innovation Center (PhoSIC) provides the "Coalition Use" framework, which offers high flexibility and allows organizations to utilize the facility strategically.

Strategic Utilization

Coalition Use

A framework where companies, academic institutions, national projects, local governments, etc., as organizations, can utilize the facility efficiently and keep results confidential (proprietary). While "joining as a Coalition Member" is the standard path, it is also possible to use the facility through support systems from local governments or services from analysis companies.

FOR EDUCATION

Use for High School Classes & Research

To nurture the next generation of innovators, we actively support opportunities for high school students to experience "real science." We have dedicated systems available at particularly low costs (or virtually free) for use as part of classes, club activities, or inquiry-based learning.

View Education Program Details

Shared Use

A framework for using the facility on the premise of making research results public, by applying to calls from the national government (QST and the registered institution) and being selected. (*Please refer to the website below for details)

QST NanoTerasu Site ↗

Coalition Membership

What are Coalition Members?

We refer to companies and universities that become continuous users of NanoTerasu as an organization as "Coalition Members." This name comes from the mechanism where user companies form a one-on-one R&D "Coalition" with academic researchers to utilize the synchrotron radiation facility in competitive areas such as product and technology development.

By paying an admission fee and committing to the construction, Coalition Members can enjoy benefits not found in conventional synchrotron facilities, such as proprietary use of results and matching with academic expertise.

The admission fee is 50 million yen per unit. After full-scale operation begins, members gain the right to use the facility for up to 200 hours per unit per year for 10 years (facility usage fees are required separately depending on the usage time).

In other words, for 5 million yen per year + hourly usage fees over 10 years, you gain the right to perform analysis with world-class brightness without the burden of maintenance costs, space, or operators! Furthermore, all results remain confidential.

At next-generation synchrotron radiation facilities, it is possible to analyze light elements such as lithium and carbon with high brightness, which was previously difficult with existing domestic facilities. Therefore, it is expected to be utilized in fields such as catalysts/batteries, electronics/photonics/information communication, engineering, automobiles/transportation equipment, steel/metals/mining, health/medical care, food/agriculture, forestry and fisheries, energy/environment, medicine/biotechnology, soft matter, ceramics, nanotechnology, and information science.

Membership Incentives

Coalition Member Benefits

(For members with 1 unit)

  • Usage Rights: Up to 200 hours per year per unit for 10 years.
  • Monthly Applications: Apply on a monthly basis for timely measurements.
  • No Proposal Review: Only safety reviews are required.
  • Proprietary Results: Results obtained are owned exclusively by the user.
  • Commitment to Operation: Voice opinions on usage rules and equipment policies.
  • Academic Matching: Support through industry-academia co-creation (Coalition).
  • Expert Support: Technical consultation from dedicated beamline staff.

Premium Member Services

(For members with 2 or more units)

Prioritized application and extended continuous usage time.

  • Gold Members (2+ units): Prioritized over general members. Max 2 days (48h) continuous use.
  • Platinum Members (5+ units): Highest priority. Max 4 days (96h) continuous use.

Monozukuri Friendly Bank

For SMEs, there is a system called the "Monozukuri Friendly Bank" managed by the Tohoku Economic Federation Business Center. By contributing 500,000 yen, you can hold usage rights for 2 hours per year for 10 years.

Contract Analysis Services

Even companies that are not Coalition Members can utilize the advanced analytical capabilities of NanoTerasu through paid contract analysis services provided by the following companies. Total support, including measurement on your behalf and data analysis by experts, is available.

Sharing 2000 & Regional Support

To promote the use of NanoTerasu and accelerate regional innovation, local governments and public organizations provide various subsidies and support programs.

Utilization Support (Sharing 2000, etc.)

Programs that subsidize part of the usage fees for NanoTerasu or provide technical assistance for measurements.

Support from Public Organizations

Public organization contact points that provide technical consultations and support for business development.

Education Program

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku University, and PhoSIC are collaborating to nurture the next generation of innovators. NanoTerasu serves as a platform where high school students can experience "real science."

High school students using NanoTerasu

Research Support

Students can use NanoTerasu for experiments in their inquiry-based activities with expert support.

Integrated Classes

Support for classes focused on solving social issues and creating innovation.

Facility Visits

Facility tours for schools to inspire students by showing them the research environment.

Usage Track Record

DateSchool Name
Nov 13, 2025Yamagata Prefectural Yamagata Higashi High School
Nov 11, 2025Yokohama Jogakuin High School
Nov 5, 2025Yamagata Prefectural Tsuruoka Technical High School
Oct 28, 2025Sendai Seiryo Secondary Education School
Oct 10, 2025Miyagi Prefectural Furukawa Technical High School
Aug 5, 2025Sendai Seiryo Secondary Education School
Aug 4, 2025Hyogo Prefectural Shikama Technical High School
Jul 18, 2025Ichinoseki National College of Technology
Feb 27, 2025Miyagi Prefectural Furukawa Reimei High School
Feb 21, 2025Fukushima Prefectural Asaka High School
Oct 17, 2024Miyagi Agricultural High School

Usage and Consultations

Various support systems by local governments are available for use by high school students.