Young Faculty / 060

Associate Professor Hiroaki Matsui, Tabata, Matsui & Seki Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems

<Biography>

(Education)

1996 : Bachelor in Science, Saga University, Japan

1998 : Master in Science, Saga University, Japan

2001 :Ph. D in Engineering, Saga University, Japan

　　　 1998-2001: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Kyushu Center

(Graduate School of linked system: Saga University and AIST)

           Title :  "The Study of the oxide materials with mechanoluminescence"

(Work experience)

January 1999 : Research Fellowship for Yong Scientists (JSPS)

April 2001 :  Post Doctor, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

December 2002 : Nanotechnology Center, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

April 2004 : Specially appointed Research Associate, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

April 2005 : Project Researcher, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

August 2005 : Specially appointed Research Associate, Organization for the Promotion of Research on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Osaka University

May 2008 : Specially appointed Research Associate, Department of Electric Engineering and Information Systems, The University of Tokyo

April 2011 : Lecture, Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo

June 2011 : Lecture, Department of Electric Engineering and Information Systems, The University of Tokyo

April 2017 :  Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering and Department of Electric Engineering and Information Systems, The University of Tokyo

<About the Research>

We conduct research and development from various optical perspectives at the nanoscale vis plasmon, phonon and photoluminescence. For example, (I) optical detection of biological molecules and gases using plasmonic and phononic materials; (II) development of optical stress sensing based on light reflection and luminescence, and their visualization and diagnosis technology; (III) biological protection from thermal and near-infrared light using inorganic biomaterials. This work focuses on numerous research fields, including from biological sensing, biomechanics, and biological defense.

(A) Optical stress sensing in biomechanics

Stress sensing and visualization are important social tasks for biological mechanics and management of social infrastructure. Stress gage and piezoelectric devices can detect strain induced on a structure using electric signals. However, their electric devices are not easy to directly measure strain and image strain distribution in two-dimensions. Furthermore, X-ray and photo-elastic devices have some challenges when applied to complex structures and dynamically visualize stress distributions. Recently, stress detection and visualization have been requested socially because of the importance of mechanical fields related to humanics and robotics. Particularly, we require new stress sensing technology for real-time monitoring with a high resolution limit to evaluate the mechanical properties of a biological sample. Therefore, we aim to develop new detection devices that use nano-optical techniques based on light reflection and luminescence to visualize stress distributions directly.

(B) Biomedical applications using nano-optical techniques

We aim to develop new optical detection for high-sensitive measurements of biological interactions in the visible to infrared range. Hierarchically nano-structural control (zero to three-dimensional structures) produces strong electric fields at the nanoscale based on surface plasmons and phonons, enabling new optical-sensing platforms. These sensing platforms contribute to healthcare applications, such as antigen-antibody reactions and biological gas reactions. Particularly, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) include physical and chemical properties, such as molecular vibrations, rotations and charity, which are expected to be promising for development in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

(C) Biological defense from thermal and light

Near-infrared light (solar thermal) has a significant effect on the human body (particularly, skin surface). New optical technology that effectively shields near-infrared light is required for technology to protect human health and livelihood. We use oxide semiconductor materials to fabricate thermal shielding films with high reflection in the near-infrared range in this study. This technique is based on near-field control induced at the nanoscale, which controls metric-scale optics across hierarchies. Recently, it has become necessary to cut near-infrared light on the skin surface for healthcare applications. We must be cultivated new optical control on the basis of biomaterials. We aim to develop new nanomaterials for supporting human health and livelihood.

<Future Aspirations>

Regardless of narrow academic fields, we are developing research with an awareness of exit strategy.

Particularly, it is important to conduct social research that contributes to problem-solving with the recent changes in social conditions. We aim to conduct research with a purpose through industry-academia-government collaboration.

<URL>

Matsui group : https://park.itc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/matsui-group/