Professor: Yasuhiro Sugawara

Manipulation of electronic states, optical properties and spin of materials by atomic resolution microscopy

Based on scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, which enable us to observe surfaces at the atomic and molecular level, we are exploring and elucidating the unique physical and chemical phenomena that occur in nanomaterials. We are also promoting the development of new technologies such as photo-induced force microscopy and magnetic resonance force microscopy to observe and control the optical and magnetic properties of materials at the atomic and molecular level.

Professor: Yoshihiro Kobayashi

Designing the structure of nanomaterials for device applications

Nanomaterials comprising nanometer-scale structures exhibit properties that are entirely different from those of bulk materials with the same composition. In our laboratory, we are dedicated to researching technology for precisely controlling the structure of nanocarbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, as well as atomic layer materials composed of various elements. The goal is to extract novel functionalities from these nanomaterials.

Professor: Prabhat Verma

Development and application of extreme light technology to control light in the nano-scopic region.

In our laboratory, we particularly focus on the technique of optical nano-imaging, in order to explore science at the nanoscale. By combining the near-field plasmonic effect with Raman spectroscopy and/or photoluminescence, we realize the technology to 'see the nano-world' with visible light, which was not possible with conventional optical microscope.

Professor: Katsumasa Fujita

Exploring and Shaping the Nanoscopic Universe Through Photonics

Nanophotonics is an innovative field of research that understands and exploits the interaction of light and matter at the nanoscale. At this incredibly small scale, light can be manipulated in new and exciting ways that are not possible in macroscopic systems. We are a team of experts from various disciplines and countries working to pioneer advanced imaging and sensing technologies that surpass conventional capabilities. Our research paves the way for breakthrough devices and offers the potential for applications in fields such as materials science and biomedicine to improve the way materials are studied and diseases are diagnosed and treated.

Professor: Kazuyuki Sakamoto

Creation of nanomaterials that do not exist in nature and elucidation of their novel physical properties

In our group, we create nanomaterials with thicknesses of only a few atoms that do not exist in nature, and elucidate the origin of the peculiar behavior of electrons confined in these materials. In addition to the equipment, which we have developed and upgraded on campus, we are also actively using synchrotron radiation facilities in Japan and overseas.

Professor: Junichi Takahara

Control of light and heat by plasmonics and metamaterials

The aim of this area is to realize photonic devices based on new principles for controlling light and heat through the elucidation of physics of light for metallic and dielectric nanostructures. We conduct consistent education and research on nanophotonic devices ranging from plasmonics to metamaterials and metasurfaces using simulations and experiments.

Professor: Hiroshi Yoshikawa

Exploring innovative material and life functions by utilizing advanced laser manipulation techniques

We explore unique structures and functions of various materials and devices by using advanced laser manipulation techniques, which can actively control assembly and alignment of molecules. These laser approaches can provide innovative materials and devices that are difficult to be fabricated by using conventional methods and also contribute new physical measurement methods that can elucidate the mechanisms of various biological phenomena.

Professor: Kanta Ono

Materials research by quantum beam, AI, and robotics

Ono Lab. focuses on developing advanced measurement and analysis techniques using quantum beams such as X-rays and neutrons, in combination with informatics technology. Our projects include X-ray microscopy for multi-scale characterization, machine learning-aided data analysis, laboratory automation, and AI optimization of experimental parameters.

Associate Professor: Yoshihide Kimura

Development of Transmission Electron Microscopes

We are conducting research and education to analyze the structure, composition, and electronic state of local regions of various materials ranging from biotechnology to inorganic materials, and to elucidate the mechanisms of elementary processes and new functions at surfaces and interfaces on an atomic scale.

Associate Professor: Diño Wilson Agerico Tan

Designing materials and manipulating energy

Our laboratory conducts theoretical studies on various properties and dynamics of materials (Theoretical Condensed Matter Science). We are conducting research on the elucidation and control of nanophysical properties and the design of material mechanisms by making full use of analytical and computational physics methods. We are also interested in deepening our understanding of phenomena occurring in the natural world around us, while never forgetting the pursuit of universality, which is the spirit of physics.

Associate Professor: Yan Jun Li

Elucidation and Manipulation of Charge States on Catalyst Surfaces by Kelvin probe force spectroscopy

In this research area, we are investigating the charge state of surfaces at the atomic level using atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy and spectroscopy. By combining semiconductor photocatalysis, nano-engineering and photonics, we are elucidating the reaction mechanisms of catalyst surfaces. By manipulating individual atoms and molecules, we are developing advanced materials and nanomaterials with novel structural and functional properties.

Professor: Yasushi Inouye

Elucidation of biological functions using nanotechnology and photonics

We develop techniques to observe living cells and biomolecules with an ultra-high spatial-resolution and sensitivity by utilizing nanotechnology represented by nanomaterials, and vibrational spectroscopy for analyzing and identifying molecules. We also develop techniques for optical nano measurement and control using light induced alignment of molecules.

Professor: Tsuyoshi Sekitani

Research and application development of ultra-thin and flexible organic electronic devices

In recent years, expectations for the practical application of electronic devices utilizing organic materials have increased due to their low environmental load manufacturing process, high mechanical flexibility, and potential application to large-area electronics. In our laboratory, we are researching surfaces and interfaces of new organic electronic devices and their materials science, as well as manufacturing process development to expand organic electronics to practical electronics industries.

Associate Professor: Nicholas Smith

Development of new optical measurement techniques to elucidate cellular changes

We are developing label-free techniques to study molecules, cells, and tissues primarily related to immunology and biology. New measurement techniques based on Raman scattering can be used to reveal cell differentiation and response to signals.