The main research subjects we are focusing on are

• Novel luminescent nanomaterials for nanophotonics

• Charge carrier and exciton dynamics control in quantum dots and their assemblies

• Photoinduced electron transfer control in donor-acceptor systems and nanomaterials

• Novel fluorescent molecular sensors

• Molecular- and nano-bioconjugates for bioimaging

In these research subjects, we employ steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, single molecule fluorescence microspectroscopy, and laser trapping microspectroscopy.

   Please see our publication list also (click here to link)

We develop luminescent semiconductor nanomaterials which have unique electronic and optical properties. These include lead halide perovskites and chalcogenide quantum dots.

We investigate the charge carrier, fluorescence and electron transfer dynamics of the above nanomaterials at the ensemble and single-molecule levels.

We develop molecular sensors of oxidative stress and biological electron transfer reactions. These sensors include organic electron donor-acceptor dyads.

We develop biomolecular assemblies and perovskite crystals by optical trapping.

Groundbreaking advances in photo-voltaic and optoelectronic technologies depend mostly on a realization of novel materials having unique optical properties.

We focus a part of our effort on the design and development of novel photo-active nanomaterials in one, two, and three dimensions, with an emphasis on precisely controlling the optical activity.

Organic and inorganic molecules are our raw materials and wet thermal chemistry and photochemistry are our tools. By optimally controlling the size, shape, and composition of nanomaterials, we generate unique fluorescence, phosphorescence and photothermal properties.

Subsequently, such nanomaterials will be applied to selected problems in biosensing, bioimaging, energy harvesting, and environmental remediation.

 Optical control (light control) on the matter is a powerful and promising method because it can achieve precise spatiotemporal control (<μm, <nsec scale).

   Our group develops photo-functional organic molecules and nanomaterials for efficient control and detection of living cellular activities.

This technology will contribute to developing novel bio prove for chemical biology and phototherapy for medicine, including emerging cancer phototherapy.

   For this purpose, we design, synthesize and investigate new molecules and nanomaterials which possess controllable and efficient photoexcited states.

Exploration of the interface between biology and nanoscience not only resolves fundamental problems in laboratory life science but also reforms our lives.

Our laboratory is interested in developing novel nanobioconjugates, and molecular probes, and applying the conjugates to pinpoint the functioning of biomolecules at the single-molecule and single-cell levels.

We are developing optical manipulation methods by means of laser-trapping to fabricate nanostructures for photonics.

Laser-trapping can achieve selective growth of crystals in nano- micro-meter scales and locally selective substitution of crystals.

We believe this methodology will open a door for future technology to control the structure of materials on demand.