Jun Ando

Development of Label-Free Optical Measurement Platform with Multi-Circular Chip

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L1

Researcher

Jun Ando

Outline

I will develop microchips with multi-circular structures, and develop optical measurement technology to identify and quantify trace substances in liquids in a label-free, highly sensitive and high-throughput manner. By leveraging the local concentration effect, and the optical amplification effect of metal nanostructures, I will largely enhance the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy. Through the integration of optics, materials science, and information science, I will create an innovative optical measurement and analysis platform addressing diverse societal challenges, ranging from water quality testing to disease diagnosis.

Youhei Okawa

An Integrative Approach to Photonic Computation and Sensing via Brillouin Interaction

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L2

Researcher

Youhei Okawa

Outline

While advances in computing power have enabled new optical sensing technologies, the growing demands of computation time and power consumption call for innovative optical computing. This research aims to develop integrative technologies that fuse computation and sensing, leveraging the nonlinear Brillouin interaction between light and acoustic waves in optical fibers. We explore novel fiber-based sensing methods driven by computational processing and investigate new paradigms of physical computing using optical fibers.

Yuya Shoji

Nonvolatile photonic computing device with ultra-high cycle endurance

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L3

Researcher

Yuya Shoji

Outline

Integration technologies of magneto-optic materials and nonvolatile magneto-optical devices are developed for ultra-high cycle endurance that is impossible with the other material systems. Photonic computing device with high controllability of positive-and-negative calculations utilizing nonreciprocity is fabricated. Highly-repeatable training operation of neural network is demonstrated.

Xiangyu Quan

Development of an opto-electro probe toward a comprehensive understanding of neural activity

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L4

Researcher

Xiangyu Quan

Outline

This study aims to develop an innovative opto-electro probe that enables multisite, long-term measurement and manipulation of deep-brain neural activity. By integrating the high temporal resolution of electrophysiology with the high spatial resolution, visualization, and optical stimulation afforded by optics-photonics technologies, the probe will simultaneously achieve single-cell–level electrical signal recording and spatially targeted optical control. This technology is expected to make broad contributions to fields such as elucidating the mechanisms underlying neurological disorders and the development of brain-inspired computing.

Masato Sotome

Creation of Optical Response Design Science through Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L5

Researcher

Masato Sotome

Outline

In this study, diverse organic–inorganic hybrid materials expected to exhibit highly efficient nonlinear optical responses will be explored, and material design, crystal growth, and spectroscopic evaluation will be carried out in an integrated manner with atomic- and molecular-level control of structure, orientation, and electronic states. Machine learning models will be constructed using representative nonlinear optical responses such as the electro-optic coefficient and terahertz emission efficiency as key indicators, leading to the creation of a new design science for nonlinear optical response materials in which observed results are fed back into material development.

Masaki Tokurakawa

Development of a High-Brightness Tabletop 2.1-µm Ho Laser for Broadband Signal Generation Spanning Soft X-ray to THz

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L6

Researcher

Masaki Tokurakawa

Outline

In this study, we aim to realize a high-intensity tabletop 2.1-µm ultrashort-pulse Ho laser system that combines an average output power exceeding 100 W with pulse durations shorter than 100 fs. This will be achieved through high-power Tm fiber laser pumping technology, high-power 2.1-µm Ho laser oscillator and amplifier technology, and nonlinear pulse compression techniques. Using this system as a driving source, we will explore nonlinear wavelength conversion technologies to generate broadband signals spanning from soft X-rays to THz waves.

Hikaru Nakazawa

Light-powered nanodevices for accelerating molecular-level manufacturing

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L7

Researcher

Hikaru Nakazawa

Outline

In the invisible nanoscale world, conventional devices that convert light into mechanical energy or heat via electricity are not feasible, making it challenging to flexibly manipulate materials through energy conversion. This study aims to develop a light-to-mechanical energy conversion nanodevice that directly transforms light energy into mechanical work without relying on electricity. By integrating artificial photosynthetic cells with motor proteins, this system will mimic biological processes to achieve efficient energy conversion. Such a device could enable precise control and actuation at the nanoscale, offering new possibilities for nanomanufacturing, biomedical applications, and smart materials.

Tomohiko Hayakawa

Detection of Flow Channel Anomalies Using Dynamic Markers from Persistent Luminescence

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L8

Researcher

Tomohiko Hayakawa

Outline

A novel method for detecting flow-path anomalies is pioneered by inducing persistent luminescence in featureless powder flows through ultraviolet excitation, thereby generating dynamic markers that can be tracked with a high-speed camera. The key advantage lies in enabling flow visualization of channels, which has previously been difficult to achieve, without physical contact, invasiveness, or the need to add tracer materials, and in real time. This approach requires no complex image processing and allows efficient, high-speed measurement of flow velocity fields with a simple experimental setup. Potential applications include industrial diagnostics, process monitoring, and environmental observation.

Shun Fujii

Development of High-Precision Clock Synchronization Architectures with GHz-Microcombs

Grant No.：JPMJPR25L9

Researcher

Shun Fujii

Outline

This project explores GHz microcombs in ultra-high-Q crystalline resonators as a new foundation for precise timing. The goal is to create stable and low-noise clock sources operating between 1 and 10 GHz, a frequency range crucial for modern communication and network. This study will also investigate how to seamlessly connect system clocks, traditionally managed by electronics, with advanced photonic technologies. By examining the technical requirements from multiple perspectives, we aim to demonstrate a scalable hybrid clock synchronization architecture. This research paves the way for robust high-precision timing networks that support next-generation information and communication systems.

Yuto Miyatake

Foundations of Photonic–Electronic Security Technologies Enabled by Si Photonics

Grant No.：JPMJPR25LA

Researcher

Yuto Miyatake

Outline

This research aims to explore the unexplored potential of light by leveraging its unpredictability and confidentiality to create a physically unclonable function (PUF) that enables authentication of photonic–electronic chips. Based on the fusion of photonics, electronics, and materials science, I will pursue monolithic integration of photonic and electronic circuits as well as heterogeneous integration. Through this approach, I will develop photonic–electronic PUFs that are robust against machine-learning attacks, suitable for on-chip implementation, and characterized by high thermal stability and compact footprint. The ultimate goal is to create a new core for information security technology.