Yohei Aikawa

Reconfigurable combinational circuit based on linear optical calculation

Researcher

Yohei Aikawa

Outline

In this research, we will work on the realization of low-latency and low-power digital logic circuit. In particular, we focus on photonic vector matrix multiplication (PVMM), because PVMM is used in the identification problem for analog signals. By considering the input-output relationship in logic circuits as an identification problem, we thought that arbitrary logic circuits could be realized in the optical domain by using PVMMs. In the current fiscal year, we will clarify the operation requirements when PVMM is used as a logic circuit.

Kenta Iitani

Development of a fluorescence-based biosensor module for measuring volatile chemicals emitted via the skin

Researcher

Kenta Iitani

Outline

Various volatile chemicals that are useful to monitoring health status constantly emitted via the human skin. This study aims to develop a fluorescence-based biosensor module to measure those volatile chemicals by employing substrate specificity of enzymes. This research will design optical elements that can guarantee sensitivity even when miniaturized, and together with the development of continuous measurement methods that do not require peripheral devices such as flow cells, will facilitate their integration into small devices. The final goal of my study is to promote the development of multi-sensor fusion wearable devices that will ultimately realize a “personal health forecasting” society.

Jun Usami

Development of Micro Resonant Pyroelectric Power Generation Device

Researcher

Jun Usami

Outline

While it is difficult to use the micro heat emitted by IT equipment, the amount of emission is increasing. There is a need for power generation technology that is compact, can be incorporated into IT equipment, and has a high power generation density even for micro heat. We propose a new technology that can generate electricity at high efficiency continuously, even with the micro heat, by combining the pyroelectric effect of ferroelectric thin films with MEMS resonators. In this research, we will demonstrate the possibility of power generation even with micro-sized heat sources below 100 degrees Celsius, and provide a path to practical technology with high power generation density.

Yusuke Oteki

Development of waveguided solar cells for energy harvesting

Researcher

Yusuke Oteki

Outline

Our country has been leading the development of high-efficiency, large-area solar cells. However, the residential solar cell market is nearing saturation. To pioneer new markets, it is crucial to be at the forefront globally in the research and development of compact solar cells that effectively utilize microenergy. In this research, we propose waveguided solar cells that are illuminated from the side. Efforts are focused on three challenges: simplification and miniaturization of the process, enhancement of efficiency through the photonic waveguide mode structure, and scalability of output.

Takayuki Okamoto

Introducing Three-Dimensional Structural Analysis to Intraoperative Rapid Pathological Diagnosis through the Power of Micro-CT

Researcher

Takayuki Okamoto

Outline

Intraoperative rapid pathological diagnosis is a diagnostic method that can rapidly evaluate tissues submitted during surgery, providing immediate feedback to the surgeon. So far, this diagnosis has relied solely on microscopic two-dimensional information. However, incorporating macroscopic three-dimensional information obtained from micro-CT with high spatial resolution to the diagnosis has much potential to achieve comprehensive diagnoses. This study aims to develop a high-speed and high-quality micro-CT capable of imaging biological tissues and to work towards its practical application in intraoperative rapid pathological diagnoses.

Ayato Kanada

Snake robot with a body that can actively bend at any position

Researcher

Ayato Kanada

Outline

We propose a new snake robot with a body that can actively bend at any position. First, we build a prototype of the proposed mechanism and clarify the advantages of the active bending body. Next, we establish a method for estimating external forces using potentiometers to determine the state of contact between the robot and its environment. Finally, we investigate autonomous propulsion of the prototype robot in an unstructured environment.

Takaaki Kamigaki

Development of a sheet-like transparent device emitting high-intensity airborne ultrasound

Researcher

Takaaki Kamigaki

Outline

A high-intensity airborne ultrasound can present a tactile sensation on the skin surface without physical contact. This technology has not prevailed in our daily lives, although it has been partially commercialized, such as non-contact touch panels. This situation is due to current airborne ultrasound devices, which are high-cost, bulky, and untransparent. This project aims to realize low-cost and transparent sheet-type devices to solve these problems.

Hiromi Kimura

Development of X-ray imaging system for quality managements

Researcher

Hiromi Kimura

Outline

Semiconductor devices are becoming more complex due to miniaturization and 3D stacking technologies, making it more difficult to ensure device quality and safety. In this study, to realize the highly accurate and efficient non-destructive inspection, we will develop X-ray imaging device with high sensitivity and spatial resolution based on the synthesis techniques of transparent ceramic scintillators.

Tomoya Koshi

Development of electrochemical pressure source for pneumatic soft robots

Researcher

Tomoya Koshi

Outline

While pneumatic soft robots can move flexibly due to the compressibility of air, their drive systems are composed of multiple elements, making it difficult to reduce size and weight. This research develops an electrochemical pressure source utilizing water decomposition and synthesis to realize a single element drive. Control of water content distribution in the electrodes and encapsulation of a highly deformable cell are studied, with the aim of making the pressure source itself function as an actuator capable of repetitive high power linear, bending, and rotational motions.

Zicong Xu

The development of stimulated hyper Raman scattering micro-spectroscopy

Researcher

Zicong Xu

Outline

Hyper Raman scattering spectroscopy is a promising molecular sensing technique due to its chemical specificity. However, the sensitivity of hyper Raman scattering spectroscopy is highly limited because it is a spontaneous process, thus restricting its applications. This research addresses this challenge through the proposed method named stimulated hyper Raman scattering spectroscopy to enhance sensitivity. Furthermore, I aim to develop a stimulated hyper Raman scattering microscope with high spatial resolution and rapid imaging capabilities for in vivo biomolecule measurements.

Naruki Shoji

Multiphase Flow Monitoring Device Using Multi-Element Ultrasonic Sensors

Researcher

Naruki Shoji

Outline

Multiphase flow, in which liquids, gases, and solids flow together, appears in all production fields, such as energy resource transportation pipelines and chemical plant reactors. By visualizing the flow structure, it is possible to optimize the flow channel design and detect abnormalities during operation. This project aims to realize a new measurement device that monitors the flow structure three-dimensionally through the development of sensor, control, and signal processing systems, making full use of ultrasound that is capable of non-contact measurement with the fluid.

Hiroaki Jinno

Radiation-Resistant Ultra-Thin Perovskite Solar Cells as a Power Source in Space

Researcher

Hiroaki Jinno

Outline

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of ultra-thin solar cells with one-micron-thick plastic substrates as a lightweight and high power output energy source for space applications. This research project focuses on the development of perovskite solar cells integrated onto radiation-resistant ultra-thin hybrid polyimide substrates, aiming to create ultra-thin solar cells that are immune to radiation-induced degradation, both in terms of the substrates and the solar cells themselves. By advancing the technology of radiation-resistant ultra-thin solar cells, this research project aims to lead the way in developing innovative hardware solutions that will revolutionize spacecraft design, resulting in ultra-lightweight and cost-effective spacecraft systems.

Jung-Chun Sun

Development of Device Enabling the Formation of Large-size Cultured Steak Meat

Researcher

Jung-Chun Sun

Outline

Cultured meat, formed by animal cells grown outside animal body, is gaining attention as a promising alternative protein source in the meat industry. Cultured steak meat with muscle fiber in unidirectional alignment can contribute to the diversification of food culture, making the method development for its formation a crucial challenge. This research aims to achieve the fabrication of large-size cultured steak meat through the development of “Device for Fabricating Stripe-shaped Bovine Skeletal Muscle Tissue” and “Assembly Device for Integrating Stripe-shaped Tissues into Large Structures.”

Masahito Takakuwa

The flexible detachable bonding for the next-generation wearable device

Researcher

Masahito Takakuwa

Outline

A flexible mounting method for connecting each flexible electronics is required in addition to developing the high-performance flexible electronics self to achieve the practical ultra-thin wearable device such as mounting on the skin directly. Furthermore, the detachable function is essential to enhance the useability of the device. This research plans to develop the polymer direct bonding with a detachable function using hydrogen bonding characteristics.

Yuji Tsukamoto

Liquid Crystal Optics with Patterned Surface: Enabling Functionality of Dynamic Lightwave Control

Researcher

Yuji Tsukamoto

Outline

Flat optics with designer metasurface have great potential, such as reduction of system size and weight, compared with conventional optical elements such as lenses, prisms, etc. However, metasurfaces have been commonly fabricated in a top-down process, which has led to productivity issues: restrictions in operating wavelength range due to nano-fabrication limitations and difficulty in large-area manufacturing. This project aims to produce flat optics with large-area sizes by a bottom-up process using the self-organization of liquid crystals. Furthermore, it demonstrates that liquid crystal flat optics can dynamically and actively control transmitted light wavefront.

Hirotaka Hiraki

Development of a Wearable Voice Input/Output Interface for Enhancing Face-to-Face Vocalization

Researcher

Hirotaka Hiraki

Outline

With the advancement of deep learning in speech processing, proposals have emerged for Speech Translation and Voice Conversion to aid individuals with speech disorders. These applications are primarily geared towards online communication as opposed to face-to-face interactions, due to the challenges in clearly capturing only the user’s voice amidst the converted voices. The objective of this research project is to design the diaphragm of an electret condenser microphone, and to develop a noise-suppressive microphone along with a lightweight, wearable, and directional speaker for face-to-face vocal augmentation using voice conversion and speech translation.

Yuki Matsunaga

High Performance, Flexible and Chemically Enhanced Physical Reservoir Devices

Researcher

Yuki Matsunaga

Outline

In this research, we challenge to realize flexible physical reservoir devices that acquire biological information with high sensitivity by using carbon nanotubes with various excellent material properties. We try to enhance device performance by using high-purity semiconducting carbon nanotube separation and purification techniques and high-temperature stable chemical doping. We will challenge to improve the reservoir device performance by random chemical doping and polymer mixing to carbon nanotubes for realizing high-performance multimodal sensor elements.

Ryoto Yanagisawa

Thermoswitch-driven nano-thermoelectric harvester

Researcher

Ryoto Yanagisawa

Outline

This research challenges the realization of nano-thermoelectric energy harvesters that generate electricity from small heat flows by means of a thermal switch mechanism. We will develop a thermoelectric harvester that combines a thermal switch device using surface micromachine technology and a high-performance thermoelectric generator using nanostructured semiconductor materials. This technology will realize a stand-alone powered sensor node using a micro heat source and contribute to a highly distributed and resilient IoT.

Naoto Yamashita

Electrical detection of domain wall chirality using spin current

Researcher

Naoto Yamashita

Outline

This research aims to develop an electrical detection technique for the chirality of magnetic domain walls. A magnetic domain wall is the interface between magnetic regions in a magnetic material. In recent years, with advancements in the study of nanoscale magnetic domain structures, various computational hardware designs utilizing their chirality have been proposed. On the other hand, the method for reading the computational results is also a crucial technological challenge. By employing the flow of spin angular momentum of conduction electrons, known as spin current, we are working on the development of a common foundational technology for computational hardware using magnetic domain walls.

Takatoshi Yoshida

Designing Optical Fiber Network Embedded in Architectural Materials For Lifespace That Tactilely Senses Human Behaviors

Researcher

Takatoshi Yoshida

Outline

This research project aims at constructing a comprehensive sensor-integration approach to living spaces, such as residences and offices, aiming to achieve a behavioral measurement system that imposes minimal physical and mental invasion. Specifically, by designing integrated devices that embed optical fiber networks into building materials and furniture, we realize the ubiquitous measurement of contact forces within living spaces. This approach enables the foundation for measuring and analyzing various daily activities of inhabitants. Through the fusion of architectural and optical measurement technologies, we enhance the resilience of real-world spaces, thereby augmenting the value of all spaces.

Kou Li

Development of transparent photo-thermoelectric goggles for cyber-physical-integrated inspections

Researcher

Kou Li

Outline

This study develops novel transparent wearable goggles, that synergize inherent human vision and photo-thermoelectric images. It has been 60 years since the rush of infrastructure construction during the Japanese high economic growth period, and their aging throughout the country needs to be addressed. Conventional inspection systems are highly dependent on specific expert technicians’ personal skills, limiting sustainable operations in the upcoming ultra-low birth rate and aging society. Herein, this study designs nanomaterials-based image sensors for non-destructive inspection devices in human-interface configurations, serving as the eyesight of expert testing technicians. The device facilitates sensitive millimeter-wave–infrared photo-detection and comprises ultrathin soft-sheet structures with high visible-light transparency. Such optical performances and imperceptibility of the device bridge the gap between human and machine visions.

Lingying Li

A sustainable manufacturing platform for stretchable sensor devices based on directed self-assembly technology

Researcher

Lingying Li

Outline

A sustainable manufacturing platform for stretchable electronics is essential for enabling humans to acquire and transmit signals with machines and robots, thereby facilitating the realization of cyber-physical convergence in Society 5.0. This project leverages a self-developed directed self-assembly system to create an array of stretchable sensor devices, with a specific focus on strain sensing, establishing a flexible design and manufacturing platform for Human-Machine Interfaces toward practical implementation.