Research Fields of the Department of Physics

Through particle physics, nuclear physics, and cosmology, we pursue the fundamental origins of the natural world. Research topics include the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, the galactic center, active galactic nuclei and supermassive black holes, the evolution of interstellar matter, and star formation. From the world of elementary particles at the smallest possible scale to the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, we explore physical phenomena unfolding across various scales through both theoretical and experimental approaches.

The application of nano-scale physics, enabled by microfabrication, can achieve high performance in semiconductor and magnetic spintronics devices. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to uncover the mechanisms behind macroscopic quantum phenomena like superconductivity and superfluidity observed at low temperatures, not only for fundamental physics but also to realize room-temperature superconductivity. Through a combination of computational science and experimental physics, we are working to explore these novel material functions.

We are researching new spectroscopic methods and optical control techniques for materials by exploiting the characteristics of cutting-edge light sources to their fullest potential. Using lasers as light sources dramatically improves spectral resolution and detection sensitivity, enabling wavelength conversion and other processes by utilizing nonlinear optical phenomena not observable with conventional linear optics. We are also pioneering new fields in material control using terahertz light pulses.

We are seeking to understand how cells, the fundamental units that make up living organisms, function and sustain life. Specifically, we are using X-ray-based structural analysis from large electron accelerators and computational experiments on supercomputers to investigate the form and movement of proteins and nucleic acids, as well as the structure of cellular organelles.