Research Fields of the Department of Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics

We aim to elucidate the optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of materials and to create next-generation information technologies such as quantum information technology and spintronics. We are also using cutting-edge nanotechnology to advance research into new semiconductors, metals, and magnetic materials, as well as the development of nanodevices. In this way, the application of physics allows us to research new devices, materials, and substances that will underpin the information technology of the future, capable of processing vast amounts of information at high speeds, as well as computational methods.

We are advancing research on cutting-edge energy technologies such as nuclear fusion technology to create miniature suns on Earth, thermoelectric devices that extract electricity from heat released into the air or water, and superconducting materials capable of transmitting large amounts of power without loss. Furthermore, by examining the unique structures on material surfaces and interfaces, and conducting single-molecule-scale evaluations of various environmental energy materials like catalysts and absorbents, we are also researching eco-friendly technologies for the future.

By combining applied physics and electronics core technologies, students learn techniques for measuring and controlling all kinds of information, from micro- to macro-scale functions. We conduct research on advanced measurement and control technologies, ranging from biosensors for detecting early-stage cancer and measurement of minute biological vibrations to the control of gene expression, multi-point environmental information measurement using portable devices, and control of ground/air traffic systems.

We are developing new information processing technologies centered on quantum computing, a technology expected to possess unprecedented computational power. Furthermore, we are pioneering new theoretical physics that uses machine learning to understand and control quantum many-body systems—a challenging problem in physics—and conducting research aimed at unraveling phenomena that can only be solved using supercomputers for ultra-large-scale calculations.