Laser Material (LAM)

Summary

In our laboratory, we are working on the development of next-generation light sources in order to pursue the infinite possibilities that this technology can enable. In addition, we conduct our research with an awareness of contemporary cutting-edge fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, and we focus on both basic and applied research. Our research articles on all-solid-state, wavelength-variable ultraviolet lasers and on high-intensity terahertz (THz, 10¹² Hz) wave light sources have received international recognition and acclaim, and these technologies are expected to lead to the development of new industries.

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Research topics

Research on deep ultraviolet lasers

Ultra-short light-pulse lasers with wavelengths in the ultraviolet / deep ultraviolet region are expected to find application primarily in material processing and atmospheric gas sensing. In particular, these lasers could be used to detect ozone layer destruction processes which may contribute to global warming, and the demand for these devices from the environmental sciences field is growing. We have successfully developed an all-solid-state, variable-wavelength, ultraviolet, ultra-short light pulse laser equipped with a Ce:LiCAF (cerium-doped LiCaAlF₆) crystal medium, as part of a joint research project with Professor Fukuda at the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University: Ce:LiCAF single crystals were chosen for this application as they are transparent to wavelengths from the deep ultraviolet region, and the results of this research have been well received, both in- and outside Japan.

• Increasing the power of all-solid-state, ultraviolet, ultra-short pulse lasers
• Development of an ultraviolet chirp pulse amplification system

Research on laser materials and optical materials

We are working to determine the spectral characteristics of new optical materials such as fluoride single crystals, particularly in the deep ultraviolet region, using synchrotron orbital radiation at the Institute for Molecular Science: these studies are crucial for evaluating the suitability of these materials to applications involving deep ultraviolet optical materials, which are tabbed to become a key part of next-generation optical lithography systems. In addition, we are conducting research on new materials developed for industrial applications, such as the development of a 1 μm laser crystal, as well as optical materials which can be used in the far-infrared (terahertz) region.

• Search for new crystal media for ultraviolet lasers
• Manufacturing cameras for vacuum ultraviolet
• Search for suitable 1 μm laser crystal materials

Research on far-infrared (terahertz wave) lasers

One of the main advantages of terahertz waves over conventional radiation sources is that their corresponding photon energy is very small, allowing the waves to be transmitted through various substances: consequently, there are strong expectations that terahertz waves will find application in sensing and imaging. In particular, the practical use of these waves as a replacement light source for X-rays (which are harmful to the human body) would lead to this technology making significant contributions to various fields, such as semiconductor processing, environmental measurement, as well as in medicine. Terahertz waves are also attracting a lot of attention in basic research, such as solid-state characterization of physical properties and spectroscopy — as this light source can induce novel non-linear optical phenomena, it may provide a route to direct excitation of phase transitions or elementary excitations which have not been possible to this point.

• Development of high-intensity terahertz wave light sources
• Identification of hormones in the environment by terahertz electromagnetic waves
• Terahertz wave propagation in photonic crystal fibers

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