Labs in The University of Electro-Communications, School of Informatics and Engineering

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The lab explores precise measurement and control by freely manipulating optical frequency combs.

The Minoshima Lab studies the “optical synthesizer,” which uses optical frequency combs to manipulate light freely. An optical frequency comb is called a “ruler of light”: ultra-precise light whose components line up like the teeth of a comb. The optical synthesizer is a technology that uses the properties of optical frequency combs in time, space, and frequency (color) to play light as if performing music. The ERATO project of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, led by Prof. Minoshima, was carried out in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, several universities, and private companies.

#Optical frequency combs #Optical synthesizers #Ultrashort pulse lasers

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The lab investigates catalyst surfaces using quantum beams.

The Miwa Lab studies the surfaces of catalysts related to fuel cells and hydrogen. The lab carries out operando measurements, using synchrotron radiation X-rays to examine the platinum catalysts of fuel cells while they are generating power. The lab also analyzes catalysts using muons.

#Fuel cells #Catalysis #Surface science

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The lab observes the movement of bacteria with optical microscopes.

The Nakane Lab studies how microorganisms such as bacteria move. By developing and refining optical microscopy techniques, the lab observes the movement and shape of a single bacterial cell or a single unit of its motility machinery at the micro- and nanoscale. The lab is equipped with instruments for culturing microorganisms, and which bacteria to study is decided in consultation with each student's interests. People who are not familiar with microorganisms or optical microscopy are welcome, and lab visits are accepted at any time.

#Bacterial motility #Optical microscopy #Microfluidic devices

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The lab explores how the circadian clock and odors work in the brain.

The Nakamura Lab studies the circadian clock and odors in the brain. Focusing mainly on brain function and sensory organ function in mammals and insects, the lab uses a variety of methods, including genetic engineering, cell biology, and behavioral science. Currently, the lab mainly studies the circadian clock, using tools such as genetically modified mice that glow in a 24-hour cycle. The lab believes that developing ways to regulate the function of the circadian clock is important for disease prevention, and is particularly interested in regulation by odors.

#Circadian clock #Odor #Firefly bioluminescence

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加固 昌寛　研究室 (introduction coming soon)

Carbon materials, fullerenes, and organosilicon compounds

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An organic chemistry lab that takes bioluminescent organisms such as fireflies as its starting point.

The Kitada Lab works with the Hirano and Maki labs to develop organic chemistry research that takes bioluminescent organisms as its starting point. The labs of Professor Hirano (organic photochemistry and physical organic chemistry) and Professor Maki (synthetic organic chemistry and organic electron transfer) are working to open up a new field of chemistry that uses bioluminescent organisms as its molecular foundation. In the Maki Lab, which Associate Professor Kitada has joined, researchers work from the standpoint of organic synthesis on synthesizing optical imaging materials and drugs for leukemia. The lab's website goes by the name 'Hirano & Maki & Kitada Lab' and presents it together with the Hirano Lab and the Maki Lab.

#Bioluminescence #Organic synthesis #Optical imaging

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A lab that investigates the electrons and reactions of molecular aggregates using instruments it builds itself.

The Quantum Physical Chemistry Lab (Yamakita Lab) studies the gas-phase synthesis and reactions of molecular aggregates that underlie molecular machines and quantum dots. Using techniques like those used in molecular beam epitaxy, the lab explores the structure and reaction mechanisms of the particles that serve as the building blocks of bulk materials. Instruments are built in-house based on calculations, so students gain hands-on experience in sample analysis, electronics, vacuum equipment, and programming. After students are assigned to the lab as fourth-year undergraduates, the whole lab supports them in acquiring specialist knowledge and know-how.

#Penning ionization electron spectroscopy #Ion imaging spectroscopy #Nanocarbon

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A lab that designs and makes molecular materials that color or emit light, and explores how to use them.

The Hirata Lab studies molecular materials that show color or emit light. Depending on changes in shape or in the surrounding environment, molecules can show functions such as changing color when pressed, moving when exposed to light, or changing emission color with temperature. The lab investigates how to design the molecules, how to make them, and in what state to use them to achieve high-performance, distinctive coloration or light emission. Drawing on chemistry, physics, and informatics, each student pursues research on a theme of their own choosing.

#Luminescent molecular materials #Organic EL #Delayed luminescence

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A chemistry lab that learns from bioluminescence to create luminescent molecules and crystals.

The Hirano Lab studies bioluminescence with the aim of pioneering "photofunctional molecular engineering," which learns from the outstanding biological functions that involve light. Focusing mainly on sea fireflies (Cypridina), crystal jellyfish (Aequorea victoria), and fireflies, the lab investigates at the molecular level how they produce light. Drawing on this knowledge, the lab is working to develop molecules that glow beautifully and brightly, as well as new soft crystal luminescent materials. The lab's website is presented on the joint "Hirano & Maki & Kitada Lab" page, shared with the Maki Lab and others.

#Bioluminescence #Photofunctional molecular engineering #Soft crystal luminescent materials

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A lab that explores how exercise changes skeletal muscle and adipocytes.

The Hoshino Lab aims to clarify how the body responds and changes when we exercise: the phenomena, the mechanisms, and the system as a whole. Currently, the lab focuses on skeletal muscle and adipocytes (fat cells). Using mathematical modeling, the lab analyzes signal transduction, gene expression, and the dynamics of lactate concentration during exercise. The lab conducts research and experiments in collaboration with the Kano Lab, which belongs to the same Chemical and Biological Engineering Program.

#Exercise #Skeletal muscle #Lactate