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Research

In the history of science, the development of new measurement techniques has led to groundbreaking discoveries and opened up new fields of research. We follow this tradition by specializing in the development of advanced optical measurement techniques to explore the frontiers of physical and biological science.

Ultrafast spectroscopy using ultrashort pulsed lasers

In recent years, there has been remarkable progress in technologies that enable precise control over the amplitude and phase of ultrashort pulses. Notable examples include the generation technologies for optical frequency combs and attosecond pulses, both of which have been recognized with Nobel Prizes in Physics (2005 and 2023, respectively). We are actively engaged in developing novel spectroscopy techniques that leverage the unique properties of ultrashort pulses. Specifically, we have pioneered advanced technologies such as dual-comb spectroscopy, utilizing two optical frequency combs, and time-stretch spectroscopy, high-repetition-rate single-pulse spectroscopy, achieving the world’s fastest spectroscopy capabilities.

Additionally, we are driving research into high-performance measurement techniques that seamlessly integrate communication technologies, such as optical fibers and high-speed optical modulators, alongside nonlinear optical technologies. These proprietary methods are being applied to the fields of chemistry and biology, enabling precise measurements of functional materials and biological samples.

Label-free microscopy for life sciences

Microscopic observation of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, is a fundamental experimental technique in the life sciences. To gain molecular specificity, fluorescence imaging is commonly employed. However, this method poses various challenges associated with staining. In recent years, label-free imaging technologies, which address the limitations of fluorescence imaging, have advanced significantly.

We are actively developing cutting-edge chemical imaging techniques that utilize the molecular vibrations of biomolecules, as well as scattering microscopy methods. For example, we have successfully developed an infrared microscope with the world’s highest spatial resolution, enabling the visualization of fine structures within bacteria with molecular vibrational contrast. Additionally, we are leveraging our proprietary microscopic imaging technologies to advance fundamental research in biophysics, including the study of intracellular thermal phenomena, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Quantum spectroscopy and imaging

In recent years, next-generation technologies based on the principles of quantum mechanics, such as quantum computers, have attracted significant attention. The field of optical measurement, including spectroscopy and imaging, has also seen advancements driven by efforts to leverage quantum technologies for enhanced performance. We are actively developing optical measurement techniques that utilize quantum optics, striving to achieve novel functionalities and outstanding performance.

Computational optical spectroscopy and imaging

With significant advancements in computational power, data analysis methods leveraging various information science technologies have been developed. In the field of optical measurement, the adoption of these technologies is rapidly advancing. We are developing computational optical measurement techniques that improve measurement performance and simplify processes by combining innovative optical hardware with information science technologies. Specifically, we are working on spectroscopy and imaging techniques that utilize compressed sensing and machine learning, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology.

Physics of laser processing

Laser ablation is a complex phenomenon in a non-equilibrium open system, involving various processes across a wide temporal scale, from femtoseconds to milliseconds. Utilizing our proprietary optical measurement technologies, we are devoted to uncovering the fundamental principles underlying these intricate processing phenomena.

YouTube recording of “Mind-infrared photothermal quantitative phase imaging (MIP-QPI)” given for Photothermal Webinar Series 2023.

We work for Science & Theory Enabling inteLligent LAser manufacturing (STELLA) Project.