Researcher's Profile

Founded the in early 20th century, quantum mechanics is a foundation of contemporary physics and has had tremendous impacts in our society. In the latter half of the last century, we witnessed the blossoming of technologies based upon quantum mechanics. For example, quantum theories of atomphoton interactions led to the invention of lasers and optical communication technologies, and quantum theory of solids enabled the incredible evolution of computers based on semiconductor integrated circuits.

Even so, we have not fully exploited the power of quantum mechanics. For example, an axiom of quantum mechanics allows distinct quantum states to be "superposed!". In our daily life, however, we rarely see the effects of superposition. Nevertheless, in carefully designed quantum systems it is possible to manipulate and observe such quantum states. It has been proven that applications of the concept in information science leads to unprecedentedly secure or efficient information processing technologies such as quantum communication and computation.

In our group, we are pursuing experimental implementations of these novel ideas. Particularly our interests lie in the physics and engineering of quantum-state controls and measurements in electrical and optical devices. Current research themes include: (i) control of interactions between superconducting quantum bits as artificial atoms and microwave photons in superconducting electrical circuits and (ii) hybrid quantum systems as a coherent interface for quantum information.