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Watanabe Lab
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A lab that explores chemical reactions on metal surfaces using light and surface science.
AboutAbout the lab
Nanotechnology that gathers light energy to manipulate molecules
The Watanabe Lab studies chemical reactions that occur on metal surfaces using methods from surface science and laser light science.
The lab aims to observe and control chemical reactions from the nanoscale down to the single-molecule scale.
It creates nanostructures on metal surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum and investigates the state and reactivity of atoms and molecules adsorbed on them.
In selecting students for undergraduate thesis research placement, the lab gives priority to those who will go on to the Department of Chemistry in the Graduate School of Science, and lab visits are welcome by appointment.
Key terms
- Ultrahigh vacuum
- A state in which gas pressure is extremely low. This lab conducts experiments at 10^-10 mbar
- Temperature-programmed desorption
- A method of investigating the state of atoms and molecules adsorbed on a surface by raising the temperature to make them desorb
- Plasmon
- An interaction between light and electrons that occurs in metal nanoparticles. It is the source of the beautiful colors of stained glass
ResearchResearch themes
The Watanabe Lab aims to observe and control chemical reactions from the nanoscale to the single-molecule scale using methods from surface science and laser light science. Using spectroscopy and surface science techniques, it conducts basic research with a view to the effective use of solar energy in the future.
*Illustrative imageActivating inert molecules on metal surfaces
The lab creates nanostructures on metal surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum and investigates the state and reactivity of atoms and molecules adsorbed on them. It uses methods such as temperature-programmed desorption and laser-induced photodesorption.
*Illustrative imageEnhancing photochemical reactions with plasmons
On the surface of metal nanoparticles, an interaction between light and electrons called plasmons occurs. Using this effect, the lab succeeded in enhancing photochemical reactions on nanoparticle surfaces by tens of times.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Watanabe Lab are faculty and master's and undergraduate students.As of 2026
- Associate ProfessorKazuo Watanabe
VoicesStudent voices
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Nanocubes” Clarisse23000 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Activating inert molecules on metal surfaces: “Platinum finger ring with diamond” Pittigrilli / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Enhancing photochemical reactions with plasmons: “Nanoscale Plasmonic Resonator Structures ( )” National Institute of Standards and Technology / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (森研究室): “Jaguar Supercomputer ( )” Oak Ridge National Laboratory / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
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- Related lab (高橋研究室): “Soviet K73-9 film capacitors, 1984 - surface decomposing 01(DXO)” Retired electrician / CC0 (cropped)
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