Quantum Revolution 2.0: Pioneering the Future with the Power of Quantum
2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Since the birth of quantum mechanics exactly 100 years ago, humanity has continued to challenge the elucidation of the quantum world. "Wave-particle duality," where something is both a wave and a particle; "superposition," which allows for states of 0 and 1 to exist simultaneously; and "quantum entanglement," where distant particles show special correlations—these mysterious phenomena that defy intuition can actually occur in the quantum world. With the rapid development of experimental technology in recent years, it has become possible to freely manipulate these quantum properties, and the realization of quantum technology that will revolutionize sensing, communication, and information processing has become a reality.
In the Quantum Optoelectronics Laboratory that I lead, we aim to pioneer next-generation quantum technology while seeking a fundamental understanding of the quantum physics that serves as its foundation. The keys are "optical technology" and "semiconductor nanostructures." By utilizing cutting-edge experimental techniques and clarifying the interaction between light and electrons from a quantum mechanical perspective, we are challenging the realization of "Quantum Revolution 2.0." Our research area is broad, and students can work on diverse themes according to their interests and concerns. Representative research contents are introduced below.
Quantum Sensors
We are developing quantum sensors that use defects in diamonds (NV centers) to measure magnetic fields and temperatures at the nanoscale with high sensitivity. Technology that "visualizes the invisible through the power of quantum" is expected to have a wide range of applications, including device evaluation, physical property research, and biological measurement.
Quantum Communication
We are developing single-photon detectors that detect photons—the smallest unit of light—at ultra-high speeds, as well as optical quantum memory stored in semiconductor quantum dots. Furthermore, we are challenging secure quantum computer control via remote operation using quantum-entangled photons. By fusing quantum communication and quantum computation, we aim to realize the future quantum internet.
Quantum Information Processing
Since fiscal year 2024, we have been promoting research on "Solid-state Quantum Simulators using Two-Dimensional Materials" as a JST CREST project. By utilizing two-dimensional materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides and moiré superlattices to artificially construct quantum systems, we simulate complex physical phenomena. This is pioneering research that brings new insights to materials science and fundamental science.
Ultrafast Quantum Optics
We are developing cutting-edge optical technology to observe and control the quantum states of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures in "ultimate slow motion" using femtosecond lasers that slice one second into 10 trillion parts, and ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy techniques using optical frequency combs with precisely controlled time and frequency. Through this, we clarify quantum phenomena that no one has ever seen before, leading to the development of new quantum measurement and quantum control technologies.
The quantum world is still shrouded in many mysteries. However, in the process of exploring the unknown, new scientific knowledge and technology are born, becoming a force that changes society. Why not join us in exploring the wonders and possibilities of quantum?