Topic 1
Development of a "quantum light source"
using cold atoms in an optical cavity
In quantum information processing and quantum measurement, which are expected to break through the limits of conventional technologies based on the properties of quantum mechanics, the ability to freely generate quantum states of light is the key. In our laboratory, we are aiming to realize a "quantum light source" that can generate various quantum states of light, including photon-number states and quantum entangled states, in a single experimental system using a cold ensemble of atoms (laser-cooled down to a few tens of μK) trapped in an optical resonator.
Topic 2
Control of matter by light
at a few photon level and even lower
In quantum information technology, which is expected to be the next-generation communication technology,
photons are considered to be the only practical communication medium.
If a photon can directly control another photon, the quantum information transmitted by the photon can be effectively processed.
However, such direct interaction between photons cannot occur in principle.
Therefore, it is conceivable to cause an effective interaction between photons through matter,
but in order to do so, the photons must first induce a significant change in the optical properties of the matter.
Normally, high intensity light is required to induce such a change, which is not possible with weak light such as a single photon.
By utilizing the strong interaction between matter and photons in an optical resonator with a highly reflective mirror,
we aim to control matter by single photons or "vacuum fluctuations" that exist in space without photons,
and to realize various quantum devices based on these techniques.
Topic 3
Observation of weak luminescence
from living organisms
In collaboration with the Nakamura Group and the Maki Group of the Department of Fundamental Science and Engineering,
Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, the University of Electro-Communications,
we are aiming to elucidate the mechanism of the novel bioluminescence phenomena discovered by the two groups.
In particular, we are developing a measurement system for spectroscopy of weak bioluminescence from mouse liver.
