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In April 2026, Dr. Ikuo IDE joined the Muon-Neutron Group at IPNS as a  researcher.

We interviewed him about what sparked his interest in the world of particle physics, the research he has conducted, and how he refreshes his mind when faced with challenges in his work.

I had many experiences with astronomical observation in Usuda, Nagano Prefecture, when I was a child, and this made me interested in space. As an undergraduate student, I was involved in research related to cosmic-ray measurements and dark matter searches. Through this experience, I became interested in how theoretical models can be tested through experiments and observations. I was attracted by the fact that precise measurements can provide a way to approach the mysteries of the universe, and this led me to develop an interest in particle physics.

As a Ph.D. student at Nagoya University, I worked on the development of polarized lanthanum nuclear targets for the NOPTREX experiment, which searches for time-reversal symmetry violation using neutron compound nuclear resonances. I studied Nd-doped LaAlO₃ crystals as a candidate material for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a method for transferring electron-spin polarization to nuclear spins. I grew crystals with different Nd concentrations and evaluated their crystal quality, physical properties, and polarization performance. Through this work, I assessed the feasibility of applying Nd-doped LaAlO₃ crystals.

I would like to study neutron production from lithium targets irradiated with low-energy protons, focusing on precision measurements of the ⁷Li(p,n)⁷Be reaction for the development of compact neutron sources. This reaction is important for both neutron production in compact sources and the understanding of few-body nuclear reactions. By comparing precise experimental data with theoretical calculations, I hope to deepen our understanding of the reaction mechanism. Since compact neutron sources have practical applications in infrastructure inspection, materials evaluation, and medical technologies, I would like to contribute to both fundamental physics and applications that benefit society.

First of all, I like sleeping, so I try to get enough sleep when I feel stuck. If I keep thinking about the same problem for too long, my perspective can become narrow, so taking a good rest helps me organize my thoughts. I also think it is important to talk with many different people, even if they are in completely different fields. Hearing about their experiences and efforts can be very inspiring. Sometimes, ideas from fields unrelated to my own research can give me unexpected hints. I believe communication with others is important both for advancing my research and for refreshing my mind.

We look forward to your future activities at the IPNS!