Optical information processing and measurement

Advanced wavefront / waveform modulation technology

Optical wavefront modulation is a technique to manipulate the wavefront of light (the spatial distribution of the phase) freely. This technique is an indispensable element in realizing applications to precise laser processing, holographic three-dimensional processing, fundus imaging utilizing adaptive optics, manipulation of minute objects such as molecular motors, three-dimensional super-resolution microscopic measurement inside a biological sample, pulse waveform control. In order to carry out further advanced modulation, we are researching high-speed, high-precision sensing technology and thinking that we can acquire new uses and knowledge by combining both technologies. As a concrete example of this advanced light wavefront control, we have developed a proprietary technology, Liquid crystal on silicon - spatial light modulator (LCOS - SLM) and intelligent vision sensor (IVS) as key devices. We are pushing basic research on industrial application of technology and application of medical equipment.

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Adaptive optics & ophthalmoscopes

Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology that directly improve the image quality obtained by measuring the aberration generated inside the optical equipment with a wavefront sensor. For this correction, there are uses such as a deformable mirror that directly changes the optical path length, but in order to correct it to higher definition, we are studying the technology of LCOS - SLM that shifts the phase of light locally. The current major adaptive optical application is in the field of fundus imaging and can obtain high resolution images of the human retina.

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Optical torque wrench

The optical torque wrench is a technique for applying a rotational force to matter by making use of a force of light called the “optical vortex” that is known to have a special property. Advanced optical technology is necessary for obtaining optical vortices, and we have in fact established such high-level technology adequate for generating the optical vortices. Our high-precision optical torque wrench enables controlling dynamics of a single molecule and/or measuring precisely a pico-Newton regime small force generated by the molecule.

Dynamic point spread function engineering & next generation microscope

We focus on the theoretical calculation and the dynamic control by LCOS-SLM of the point spread function (PSF), which explains the response characteristic of the optical system to the point light source. We need both high-precision optical technology and phase modulation, by advancing technology development and applying it to a microscope, we succeeded in achieving multi-point, aberration correction, multifocal and depth of field extension individually or simultaneously. We are also applying to super-resolution microscopes and nonlinear microscopes to contribute to further enhancement of microscopic observation technology.

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High-performance multiphoton excitation microscope using SLM

By using a SLM, which can precisely control the wavefront of light, various functions such as aberration correction can be realized. We are planning to incorporate the wavefront control provided by SLM into a two-photon excitation fluorescence microscope system. This will allow us to observe the deep part of biological tissues with high accuracy and simplicity. We are working with Hamamatsu University School of Medicine on basic and applied research on such high-precision microscope systems. In the future, we aim to contribute to medical and biological research while collaborating with various universities.

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Ultrashort pulse laser waveform control technology

Ultrashort pulse lasers with femtosecond and picosecond speeds are very useful for laser processing and high-sensitivity measurement of cells because the pulse lasers can reduce heat damage to the target. However, the reduction effects are largely dependent on the pulse shape because they induce non-linear processes. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can fully control the pulse waveform shape and interval of pulse train. We have developed a method for modulating the spectral phase and intensity contained in pulsed light with high precision, and aim to create a new waveform shaping technology with a high degree of control. In addition, by promoting research on waveform measurement methods in collaboration with Osaka University, we are working to further improve the accuracy of waveform control.

Holographic laser material processing

By splitting into multiple beams diffractively by LCOS - SLM, simultaneous parallel laser processing can be realized and throughput improvement can be achieved. We aim to create high speed, high precision and highly-added value processing technology by studying computer generated hologram calculation and optical designing required to obtain such performance with LCOS - SLM. These allows increasing our proprietary technology of Stealth Dicing^TM Process in sophistication or direct-single shot laser marking to glass or aluminum cans to be realized instead of conventional ink jet printing system or high speed laser scanning system.

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Terahertz waves technologies

Terahertz (THz) waves are electromagnetic waves in region between light and radio waves. Terahertz waves have many potentials because it has properties of both light and radio waves. Terahertz waves are also expected to be used in 6G communications in the future. To explore this field, we have developed devices and systems, such as Si prismatic waveplates for terahertz waves and THz-ATR (THz waves attenuated total reflection) spectrometers that are compact and easy-to-use. In anticipation of the future expansion of terahertz waves applications, we are working on the development of new terahertz devices and application research for drug, food, and material analysis using terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging technology.

In-situ preparation technique of SERS active nanostructure

Raman scattering spectroscopy is a molecular vibrational spectroscopy, which gives molecular structural information, therefore allows qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. Although Raman spectroscopy is not applicable for trace amount quantification due to essential weakness of Raman signal, surface-enhanced effects by metal nanostructure enable Raman spectroscopy to detect an analyte at a single-molecule level. We developed in-situ preparation technique a SERS-active silver nanostructure based on chemical reduction of silver ion. This technique can be utilized in the scenes what rapidity is needed such as environmental, forensic analysis and threat detection.

Optical spectrum analysis with deep learning technology

Complicated optical spectrum has many information of molecules included in a measured sample. In general, various spectrum analysis methods (e.x. principal component and regression analysis) are applied to extract usable information from the spectrum. Our company researches and developments novel spectrum analysis methods with deep learning technology for many applications such as high-accuracy spectral discrimination, authenticity assessment, and quantitative analysis of mixed ratio.

Soft X-ray 3D microscope

Soft X-rays with energies below several keV are useful for observing biological specimens and light element materials since they are well absorbed by materials composed of light elements with low atomic number. We have been developing a compact soft X-ray microscope which enables high-resolution observation of 3D fine structures in a regular laboratory room combining an electron-impact x-ray source and grazing incidence mirror optics. The X-ray mirrors which we fabricate have high utilization efficiency of X-rays and can provide images of different X-ray energies.

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Optical information processing and measurement

Optical torque wrench

Ultrashort pulse laser waveform control technology

Terahertz waves technologies

In-situ preparation technique of SERS active nanostructure

Optical spectrum analysis with deep learning technology

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