what we do

Our laboratory develops and integrates cutting-edge nanofabrication, optical measurement and control, and electromagnetic field simulation—building and harmonizing these capabilities in-house as the bedrock of our research. Leveraging this unique platform, we investigate the fundamental principles governing the interactions between light and artificially designed nanostructures—including plasmonic structures, metamaterials, metasurfaces, and photonic crystals—through the lens of momentum and angular momentum. This approach allows us to capture the essential mechanics, geometry, and symmetry underlying the interplay between light and matter at the nanoscale, aiming to create transformative foundational technologies with far-reaching impacts on both science and technology. The novel optical manipulation principles emerging from our work open up diverse frontiers: extending from bio-applications, structural ordering of matter, and light-driven actuators, to optical levitation-based cavity optomechanics, ultra-sensitive force sensing, non-destructive photon detection, the verification of macroscopic quantum phenomena, and even high-speed laser propulsion in outer space. In pursuing these goals, we fully utilize the world-class facilities and expert technical support of the Nanotechnology Research Center at the Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES), driving original research that transcends conventional boundaries.

3. Creation and Application of Novel Nanostructure Optical Actuators 

      ・Light-driven nanoactuators using artificial nanostructures

     Sci Adv (2020).

      ・Autonomous nanoactuators through localized plasmon control

         ACS Appl. Nano Mater.  (2018), APL Photonics (2025).   

      ・Optical levitation technology based on optical force and torque control with nanostructures