The First Dr.Masao Horiba's Award and the 50th Anniversary Products

Author: Nobuki Yoshioka; Yoshiyuki Nakajima – Our new Twin Waterproof compact pH meters, models B-211 and B-212, feature improved performance and resistance to immersion. These pH meters will continue to operate reliably even after they have been dropped into water. These innovative products use conventional technology, such as sheet-type composite electrodes, but have been improved to allow convenient use in many new applications and under very demending field conditions. In this paper, the products' construction, functions, and performance are outlined with particular focus on the benefits of the waterproof case, the sensor guard, and the scoop-up measuring feature. (Same content in Japnese is in Readout No.9-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kozo Ishida; Executive Vice President (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kiwamu Sue; Nihon University – High-temperature and high-pressure water reaction fields including supercritical water have been aggressively attracting public attention in recent years as a new reaction field for synthesis, conversion, and reforming of chemicals. We have developed the most effective pH measurement method for understanding the information related to the solution environment of high-temperature and high-pressure water reaction fields. Particularly, we have been examining in detail, the following: strict temperature/ pressure control, selection/design of electrodes, determination of electrode size/surface area, development of the contact method and liquid junction of the reference aqueous solution/test aqueous solution, pressure seals, etc. In addition to examining the corrosive protection/insulation equipment for the electrochemistry cell used for potential difference measurement. Consequently, we have developed equipment that allows pH measurement by the potential difference method using the same theory as used for normal temperatures. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Naoki Sugimoto; Konan University; Tatsuo Ohmichi; I.S.T CORPORATION – While carrying out this research, we studied the relationship between stability of the double helix structure formed by DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and pH. Based on obtained thermodynamic data we discovered a DNA structure of a pH sensitivity that was not previously thought to exist in living bodies. Further, we considered the newly discovered pH-sensitive DNA as a new material for pH sensing and have since developed a unique pH sensor that can measure the pH in cells using DNA as detection medium. This was achieved by combining the pH-sensitive DNA to FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer). We have introduced the principles and application of a pH sensor that utilizes nucleic acids. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kiminori Shitashima; Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry – The pH of seawater is an important factor that affects the thermodynamic state of all various acid-base systems and biological activity in the ocean. In recent years, in-situ measurement using pH sensors has attracted attention in relation to global warming issues. The pH sensor which uses an ion sensitive FET for the pH electrode, and a chlorine ion selective electrode for the reference electrode, can measure pH of seawater through the water column with high precision. Both these electrodes have solid-type construction and therefore have high pressure and shock resistance and can be used satisfactorily in deep sea conditions. In the field, the response speed of the developed pH sensor is 1 second or less, and the measurement accuracy is ±0.005 pH. This pH sensor can also be used with a pCO2 sensor by sealing the electrode with a gas permeability membrane. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Masao Horiba; Chairperson (Dr. Masao Horiba proceeded from Chairperson to Supreme Counsel on June 18, 2005) (Same article in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Zempachi Ogumi; Kyoto University – Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices and are attracting much attention because of its high-energy conversion efficiency and low environmental impact. Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), among them, is expected to be a huge technology in the near future, but there remain some issues to be solved before it finds widespread use. In this paper, while giving an overview PEFC technology, the issues to be solved will be discussed. (Same article in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Susumu Nakamura; National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) – The internationally agreed method of measuring pH values is using the Harned Cell. In Japan, pH measurement using the Harned Cell is performed at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Japan can supply pH values based on the international comparison of measured values. (Same article in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Tetsuya Osaka; Waseda University – Described in this article are examples of research and development for manufacturing devices and materials in the nanotechnology field based on electrochemical methods. Additionally, there is an introduction concerning HORIBA's activity to configuring biosensing devices. These devices combine electrochemical nanotechnology with FET technology. (Same article in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Satoshi Ichiyama; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine – What are the application possibilities of analyzers in the medical field? This report discusses the applications of pH measurement are foreseen to be as diagnostic aids for patients with serious diseases such as bacteremia, and the actual statuses of the Central Clinical Laboratory and the Infection Control Team that are the cutting-edge areas in the interventions of infections. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

In 2003, on the 50th anniversary of HORIBA's foundation, HORIBA Group established Dr. Masao Horiba Award, named after the company founder, to nurture all domestic and overseas researchers. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Nobutaka Kihara – While recognition of the importance of environmental problems is increasing, environmental impact caused particularly by engine emissions is attracting public attention. Emission regulations themselves are getting tighter than ever, but not only that, the global trend is to demand even further advances beyond merely meeting regulation requirements. Surveying of vehicle emissions in a ‘real world’ condition is discussed here as an example. At HORIBA, the on-board emission measurement system OBS-1000 series was released for this purpose. The OBS-1000 series consists of gas analyzers, flow meter, various sensors, and data logger. Measuring and recording of the concentration of CO, CO2, HC, and NOx in real world conditions, air-fuel ratio, calculation of mass emission of each component and fuel consumption, etc., are possible. In this paper, the outline of this system is described. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Hiroshi Nakamura – At present, HORIBA's engine exhaust gas analyzers comprise a wide variety of detectors, components, electrical process engineering, communication technology, and software engineering to meet various market demands. The concept of a "Common Analyzer" has been established to standardize these diverse technologies and engineering. This is so that we can: share development and service technology developed by HORIBA, reduce manpower for development and maintenance, reduce products & service parts costs, and control the mass production inventory. The common analyzer concept has been applied to the MEXA-1170 series to develop the MEXA-1170HNDIR, MEXA-1170HCLD, MEXA-1170NX, and MEXA-1170SX. The concept has enabled utilization of analysis technology, electrical process engineering, and software technology used in the MEXA-7000 (which is one of the main products of HORIBA engine measurement division). Not only this but also integration of the newly developed MEXA-1170 series analyzers to the MEXA-7000 became possible. In this paper, we will describe the "Common Analyzer" concept. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Satoshi Koyama – Recently, a greater variety of measurement instruments and computer systems is increasingly demanded to shorten development time of a new car. In response to this, HORIBA, after forming an alliance with RICARDO (United Kingdom) and Schenck (Germany), have developed the new stars (HERT-7000) Laboratory Automation System. A Laboratory Automation System (LA system) is an automated measurement and control computer system. Each company's strengths have combined in this system, which has the latest Road Load Simulation (RLS) function and greater flexibility than previous products. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Shintaro Komatani, Sumito Ohzawa – The XGT series X-ray Analytical Microscope is a nondestructive analyzer that does not require preprocessing and facilitates elemental analysis of microscopic parts, element distribution analysis and internal structure observation. For the XGT-5000, a 50th Anniversary product, we advanced development of the X-ray guide tube as a key device for X-ray Analytical Microscopes and achieved intensities 20 to 50 times higher than ever before. Further, we improved operability drastically as a result of improvements in the optical image observation system and software. The XGT-5000 is used in various fields including research such as living body tissue analysis and archaeological sample analysis, quality control purposes such as foreign substance analysis and defect analysis, and sensitive analysis of harmful elements in compliance with WEEE/RoHS and ELV regulations. It significantly contributes to developments in these fields. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Yoshiaki Togawa – HORIBA has begun selling the new model Partica LA-950 Laser Diffraction/Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer, which uses light scattering phenomena as a measuring principle. This measuring method can measure many particles simultaneously in a short time, without contact, with high precision, and with high repeatability. To maximize the benefits of this measurement principle and make the analyzer highly flexible and easy to operate, the following parts are contained in a single unit with the optical system at the core: Control circuits such as a circulation system for performing sample pretreatment, measuring signal processing circuit, and actuators. The LA-950 is a model change for the first time in seven years. It is a top-of-the-range Laser Diffraction/Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer. During this time, development has proceeded with drastic improvements to satisfy future requirements as a global standard analyzer. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Takeshi Kobayashi – In developing the 50 Series, we focused on the following two points: ease of use of the basic pH meter main unit and enhancement of the electrode performance as the most vital features for pH measurement. By adding a navigation function with character display, which is not used by conventional analyzers, as well as adopting the world's first color display, our new bench top pH meter has proved user friendly even for customers with no pH measurement knowledge. We took the World's top performing ToupH glass electrode series and succeeded in increasing the electrode life by improving the performance of the reference electrode and strengthening the durability of glass material. Also, the pH measurement field has been extended to new and unconventional measurement areas by commercialization of the glass-free ISFET electrode. This article describes features of this product in detail. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kazuhiro Miyamura – Recently, Point of Care Testing (POCT) to perform lab work at clinics or nursing work is gradually showing signs of predominance. HORIBA is developing a palmtop blood cell counter that is a major medical product utilizing its MEMS technology. This report describes the characteristics of the HORIBA palmtop-type blood cell counter and major targets in its development. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kyoshiro Imagawa – HORIBA started manufacturing infrared optical crystals in 1954. In the following year, development of the scintillation detector began. This detector, in which Sodium Iodide (NaI) was used, was used for radiation measurements. The infrared optical crystal is a principal part of the technology on which infrared gas analyzers are based. Gas analyzers are the company's prime products. But on the other hand, the growing of large-sized crystals has also become very successful. We grow some of the largest Sodium Iodide crystals in the World. So here we introduce crystal growth, manufacture of the scintillation detector and gamma plate, as examples of applications related to scintillation detectors for radiation measurements that have been built on the foundation of HORIBA's radiation technologies. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Toyoki Kanzaki – Discriminating between scattered light from particles (particle light) and scattered/diffracted light from patterns (pattern light) is the most important element of techniques for the reticle/mask particle detection system, which utilizes light scattering. The PD Series discrimination methods mainly used the polarization properties of scattered light. The early stages of development of this system utilized quenching of the pattern light by alignment of the optical system and the polarizing plate. The next generation utilized the signal intensity ratio between the pattern light-quenching detector and the particle light-quenching detector. While the most recent machines perform the signal processing, concentrating on the signal forms of pattern light and particle light. The latest PR-PD3 adopts a discrimination method of signal processing so as to cover all the advantages of the conventional methods and so become capable of dealing with more patterns. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Akihiro Katanishi – Technological development of semiconductor devices including DRAM has been remarkable. Development of new thin film materials, film thinning and multi-layering are essential to such technological development. In semiconductor device production, accurate measurement of the thickness of thin films is regarded as an important factor in improving productivity. Thus, lots of manufacturing processes include a thin film measurement process. This paper explains the UT-300 Automatic Ultra Thin Film Analyzer, that automatically measures optical indices such as the thickness of semiconductor thin films, refractive index, and extinction coefficient. In particular, a chief requirement for thin films is accurate measurement of minute areas. This paper focuses especially on the UT-300H, which because of improvements in the optical system of the original UT-300 can measure minute areas. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Shintaro Noguchi – The quantitative analysis of carbon/sulfur is very important for quality control in many materials fields including the steel industry. Therefore, the demand for high precision analysis is increasing, typically for investigations into manufacturing quality control. Furthermore, the demand for laborsaving automation is also increasing. Although until now, automation has been in demand mainly in the Japanese market, also in recent years, interest in the European and Chinese markets has been increasing. The Fully Automated Carbon/Sulfur Analyzer introduced here is a system which is high precision and laborsaving at the same time, so contributing to quality improvement and cost reduction. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.30-Japanese edition-.)