In the laboratory of Prof. Kawakami we study the interaction between light and matter; we try to elucidate and possibly discover physics involved in the interaction processes. We promote such studies to finally realize cutting-edge optical devices and applications that dramatically enrich human activities. Three main research lines are pursued:
(1) The development of new measurement techniques for studying nano-scaled optical emission dynamics
(2) The application of the original techniques developed in (1) to nano- and micro-scopic physical properties of materials and biosamples. New biosensors and devices are studied and realized.
(3) We also realized methodologies to modify and control the growth process of crystal structures of optical devices in order to obtain a light source with a desired emission color and a 100% quantum efficiency.
The synthesis of a desired optical spectrum is of course related to the realization of tailor-made solid-state optical devices. The topics in (1) and (2) are naturally linked each other and they both connect to the research line (3). In other words, the development of new materials and the study of their basic optical and physical properties give us a positive feedback on the realization of new devices, applications, and original measurement techniques.
As an application of optical materials, we can suggest bio and medical systems. In the near future we hope to realize micro-machinery able to enter the human body and perform measurements or actions, as was inspired by the 1966 Science Fiction movie "Fantastic Voyage". Our researches point toward the realization of smaller and higher-definition light sources and detection devices that are indispensable elements in such enterprise. Recently we were able to control the spectral emission of optical devices through special growth techniques. This is also promising for the final realization of extremely small light sources that can be used for insertion in the human body.
Finally, we want to understand the basic optical processes related to solid state illumination, for the realization of a new kind of illumination systems. We are pursuing the realization of nanometer sized light sources, highly efficient portable illumination element and optical devices of wide and controllable spectral characteristics. We are involved in this challenging endeavor in the hope to realize novel systems for both medical and technological applications.