In laboratories, analytical instruments based on analytical chemistry are used in the research and development of new technologies and new materials. In recent years, analytical instruments used in laboratories have been applied to production processes and are being used for production management and quality control to improve productivity. Even if the instruments have the same analytical principle, the requirements for analytical instruments differ between the laboratory and the production process. This paper introduces examples of the application of laboratory analysis technology based on analytical chemistry to production processes from the perspectives of real-time analysis, automation (including preprocessing), and ensuring safety and reliability assurance.

In this study, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is first summarized, with emphasis on wavelength detection limit estimates, and the “magic frequency (wavelength)” for radio and optical observations. Based on the estimates, it is not impossible that interstellar communications could take place at the current level of human technology. The frequencies of the Hydrogen atom (1.420 GHz), the OH molecule (1.665-1.667 GHz), and the range between them (called “water hole”) have been frequently used for radio SETI observations. In 2018, we proposed the magic wavelengths for optical SETI observations because they had not been discussed previously. From the senders point of view, we argue that the most favorable wavelengths would be the YAG and its Second Harmonic Generation (SHG). On the other hand, some absorption lines are frequently used for optical-spectroscopic observations by astronomers on Earth to obtain information on stars. It is possible that extraterrestrial civilizations use lasers, in which wavelengths are turned into such lines for sending messages. In that case, it is expected that SHG and/or Sum Frequency Generation of YAG and YLF lasers are used. Lastly, my personal opinions about SETI are briefly expressed.

Plates with the Vereenigde Oostindishe Compagnie (VOC), Dutch East India Company, design were found in Arita, Saga and Shiota-machi in Saga prefecture. Since the plates were VOC company fixtures and not commercially available, it is unclear where the VOC plates were made and why they were found in private residences. To determine the production site of the porcelains, we analyzed chemical element composition of the porcelains by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis. The obtained data were analyzed based on metal transfer mechanism during elutriation (water pool) process for the preparation of porcelain mud. Scatter matrix of fluorescence intensity ratios to Argon (Ar) for the 19 elements observed showed Nb—Zr, Nb—Y, Nb—Th, Zr—Y, Zr—Th, Y—Th, Rb—Th, Rb—K intermetallic correlations that suggested the movement of insoluble metals together with clay mud. The plot of the fluorescence intensity ratio Rb/Th vs. Zr/Nb gave two groups for the porcelains. The results revealed that all VOC plates found in Arit and Saga were made in Arita, and some porcelains found in Johfuku 2-kiln were made in Shiota. These results are the first evidence of a chemically determined production sites for VOC porcelain. It is conceivable that the VOC plates found in the private residence of a Saga domain retainer may have been obtained directly by the owner of residence through Sarayama Daikansho.

In Northeast Asia (specifically, the Primorsky Krai, the Amur River basin, Sakhalin Island, and the Kuril Islands), many kinds of material exchanges are believed to have taken place, including glass beads. Since the chemical composition of glass beads can indicate the production area and the approximate period when they were produced, this study focuses on glass beads found in these areas in order to better understand this material exchange. The authors brought a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer specialized for analyzing cultural properties in these areas and investigated the chemical composition of the glass beads. Based on the chemical compositions, the analysis found that four different types of glass beads were distributed in Northeast Asia and that the region has changed over time based on the composition types. In addition, this study scientifically demonstrated the possibility that gold-ruby glass beads were discovered and distributed from China to other parts of Northeast Asia. This study revealed insights related to the material exchange in Northeast Asia based on the chemical composition of the glass beads by non-destructive on-site analysis.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is an analytical method that allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements contained in a sample by irradiating the sample with X-rays and measuring the fluorescent X-rays emitted. Since it allows elemental analysis in a non-contact and non-destructive manner, it is an effective analytical method for valuable samples such as cultural properties and paintings. However, there is a concern that X-ray irradiation may cause damage to the sample, such as changes in color tone. A long measurement time is required to obtain an accurate and reproducible fluorescent X-ray spectrum, but there is a demand for shortening the measurement time to reduce damage to the sample. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to distinguish the fluorescent X-ray peaks and background in a short measurement using a support vector machine. It is believed that this will enable the fluorescent X-ray peaks to be identified in a shorter time, enabling rapid elemental analysis.