Two researchers from a German particle physics laboratory involved in ILC technological development are visiting Iwate prefecture, which holds the ILC’s candidate site. On May 12th, Dr. Klaus Sinram and Dr. Thomas Schoerner-Sadenius of DESY in Germany visited the Iwate Industrial Research Institute in Kitaioka, Morioka City and accelerator-related businesses of Kitakami city and other places. The two researchers responded to questions from our reporters with hopes for concrete steps, saying “We are waiting for a green light from the Japanese government to build, as soon as possible.”
According to the Iwate Office of Science and ILC Promotion, the two researchers have visited Iwate many times, including at last year’s linear collider workshop held in December. This time, the researchers proposed coming to Iwate on this visit to Japan and the Iwate Prefectural Government arranged the visit. The two were accompanied by Tohoku University and Iwate University Guest Professor Masakazu Yoshioka and others.
Staff at the Iwate Industrial Research Institute explained about Nanbu Tekki ironware, sake brewing techniques, 3D printing technology and more. The two asked questions with enthusiasm through the interpreter even about technology not directly related to the ILC. They seemed interested in metal powder laminate shaping apparatuses for 3D printing.
In terms of ILC-related technology, the center has developed techniques for reducing the cost of polishing the accelerator’s superconducting cavities. It is also working to increase involvement in accelerator-related industries for businesses within Iwate.
At the opinion exchange between the researchers, the prefecture and the research institute, Dr. Schoerner-Sadenius gave the following assessment: “I was impressed with the variety in what the institute is doing. I applaud your support of small and medium sized businesses: this can be a model for Germany.” He added, “This will become a good hub for ILC research. You need somewhere centralized with a database of information to share with local businesses.”
Dr. Sinram relayed his impression of the visit, saying “Almost 100% of what these local businesses are doing can be linked to the ILC. This can be used not just within Japan but internationally. Local companies also know a lot about the ILC.” He added, “I hope Japan will give the go sign as soon as possible. If that happens, there’s a lot we can do together.” Dr. Schoerner-Sadenius echoed this hope, saying “We all want the green light. If that happens, then we can take concrete action.”
Iwate Prefectural Office of Science and ILC Promotion Executive Director Jun Sasaki, who accompanied the group, said “I think they were able to see many technologies they hadn’t seen before. We chose to tour these sites to show that Iwate Prefecture has a solid base in these technologies, and to demonstrate our potential for involvement in ILC related industries.”
Another opinion exchange was held in a Morioka hotel with Ichinoseki City and Oshu City (both of which contain the Kitakami ILC candidate site), Morioka City, and members of the Iwate ILC Promotion Council.
“The European accelerator community doesn’t know about what is happening in Japan to prepare for the ILC. You need to extensively promote this information overseas.” explained Dr. Sinram.