The R052 Committee on DX Plasma Process endeavors to advance the scientific elucidation of plasma materials processes based on data science and digital transformation (DX), and their subsequent industrial applications. Through a collaborative approach between academia and industry, the committee focuses on the convergence of plasma materials science and information science, aiming to uncover the underlying scientific phenomena and facilitate their practical implementation. Additionally, the committee strives to expedite the optimization of plasma device design, ultimately enhancing efficiency and efficacy. By integrating knowledge and expertise from multiple disciplines, this collaborative effort drives the rapid advancement of plasma-based technologies in the pursuit of scientific excellence and industrial innovation.

Plasma materials science is a cornerstone that underpins Japan's present and future industries, particularly exemplified by its role in semiconductor manufacturing technology. It is a crucial research field of great significance to both academia and industry. In parallel, the field of information science has made remarkable progress, offering methodologies to handle vast amounts of accessible data and to conduct machine learning and reinforcement learning. Moreover, breakthroughs such as quantum annealing and quantum gate computing have been introduced, establishing techniques capable of ultra-fast processing for optimization problems.
This committee utilizes the power of information science to advance the extraction of common challenges, examination of potential solutions, and facilitation of social implementation in the field of plasma materials science. With its intricate nature, plasma materials science poses significant hurdles on the path towards societal integration. By harnessing the capabilities of information science, the committee endeavors to tackle these challenges, explore effective methodologies, and propel the realization of plasma materials science in complex systems.
In the field of plasma materials science, which is characterized by highly complex systems, information science is believed to make innovative contributions to (i) the scientific elucidation of unexplained phenomena stemming from the scarcity of data in plasma physics and chemistry, and (ii) the optimization of plasma material generation, plasma device design, and their industrial applications. Moreover, by fostering collaboration and exchange between the academic and industrial sectors in information science and plasma materials science, it is anticipated that (iii) the exploration, deployment, and expansion of methodologies for addressing complex multiscale problems will be facilitated in the field of information science. Furthermore, a broad range of developments can be foreseen, including (iv) the strengthening of next-generation plasma processes for quantum computer manufacturing, as well as the accelerated design and societal implementation of these devices.
To foster the advancement of scientific understanding and industrial applications of plasma processes based on data science/DX in plasma materials science, the committee will implement the following activities, engaging academic and industrial members from the plasma materials science community, industries utilizing or seeking to utilize plasma, and academic and industrial members from the field of information science:
a. Regular Workshops: Delivering lectures and facilitating discussions on the intersection of plasma materials science and data science/DX.
b. Basic Science Lectures: Offering beginner-friendly courses on plasma materials science and the necessary collaboration between academia and industry in data science/DX.
c. Individual Workshops: Conducting tailored workshops on specific themes based on the preferences of industrial members.
d. Lecture Materials Sharing via Website: Archiving materials related to the committee's activities and proactively providing knowledge to accelerate collaborative efforts between academia and industry.
These initiatives will enable robust engagement and collaboration, driving scientific progress and practical applications in the field of plasma materials science, leveraging the power of data science/DX.
Through the implementation of these activities, as illustrated in Figure 1, we aspire to establish future prospects for the fusion of information science and plasma materials science. Specifically, we aim to (1) enhance machine learning and reinforcement learning, which have already found practical applications, (2) explore the application and implementation of quantum annealing in plasma materials science, leveraging existing reports of accomplishments in other domains, (3) introduce quantum gates, and (4) foster the development of young scientists. 
The committee envisions implementing these initiatives over a five-year period.

Toshiro Kaneko
Professor,
Tohoku University

April 2023 to March 2028

Academia:40  
Industry:35  
Total membership:75