The ultimate goal of our research is to revolutionize life sciences through the creation of cutting-edge photonics and informatics technologies.
Prof. Mikami has worked in various fields in both industry and academia with a focus on photonics. The keywords in his research are "light," "information," and "life," which are reflected in the name of the laboratory. We do interdisciplinary research that spans photonics, informatics, and life science. Also, we aim to explore practical applications and commercialize our technologies.
Four policies of the laboratory
Research topics
Several projects are underway besides the ones below.
High-speed 3D fluorescence microscopy and its applications
It is the world's fastest 3D fluorescence microscope capable of imaging at a maximum of 1,000 volumes / sec, and is currently being upgraded for further performance improvement. In addition to observing biological samples with fast movements, various applications such as membrane potential imaging, which has been attracting attention in recent years, are expected. In fact, we are not limited to technological development, but are promoting application development through joint research. We have also created a joint use system using the Advanced Bioimaging Support Platform (ABiS) so that it can be used by researchers in many life science fields.
High-speed multiphoton imaging and optogenetics
Imaging and optical manipulation using multi-photon excitation not only enable access to deep parts of the body, but also selectively "shoot" targets such as cells localized in 3D space. We are working on the development of ultra-high-speed multi-photon imaging and optical manipulation technology that maximizes these characteristics.
Boosting the speed of fluorescence microscopy by deep learning
It is well known that deep learning can increase the resolution and sensitivity of images. We are developing a technology to compensate for the decrease in resolution and imaging sensitivity due to the increase in the imaging speed of the fluorescence microscope by deep learning, and to perform high-speed fluorescence microscope imaging while ensuring the quality of the image. .. We are developing our own network according to the purpose, not just diversion of the existing network.
New technology through the fusion of optics and information technology
The goal of our technological development is not to master optics and information technology individually, but to create new technology by fusing both technologies. We are starting to move toward the realization of such technology.
Past studies
Prior to the establishment of our laboratory, Prof. Mikami have conducted research in various fields. The techniques, knowledge, and expertise gained from these studies are still being utilized today. We plans to do revival versions of these past projects with further refinements.
Ultrafast Laser Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscope @ The University of Tokyo
We have developed high-speed laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy by applying telecommunication technology such as frequency-division multiplexing and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The world's fastest imaging speeds of 32,000 frames per second and 104 volumes per second were achieved. Four related patents have been filed and two have been granted.
Optica 5(2), 117-126 (2018).
Cell 175(1), 266-276.e13 (2018).
Nature Protocols 14, 2370–2415 (2019).
Optics Letters 44(3), 467-470 (2019).
Optics Letters 45(8), 2339-2342 (2020).
Imaging flow cytometry @ The University of Tokyo
We have developed high-throughput imaging flow cytometry methods to analyze large cell populations in a short time. In addition to demonstrating the world's highest throughput fluorescence imaging by applying the ultrafast laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope described above, we have also developed the Virtual-Freezing Fluorescence Imaging (VIFFI) flow cytometry method, an ultra-sensitive and high-throughput method that enables microscope-grade fluorescence imaging at a throughput of 10,000 cells/second. The acquired images are analyzed using AI, and it has been shown that highly accurate classification of cell types is possible.
Nature Communications 11, 1162 (2020).
Lab on a Chip 20, 2263-2273 (2020).
OSA Continuum 3(3), 430-440 (2020).
Optica 5(2) 117-126 (2018).
Biomedical Optics Express 9(7), 3424-3433 (2018).
Nature Protocols 13, 1603-1631 (2018).
Chem 4(10), 2278-2300 (2018).
Multiphoton microscopy for human skin imaging @ University of California, Irvine
We have been developing high-speed, large-field-of-view two-photon/SHG microscopy, which capture images of skin conditions and is expected to be a future diagnostic technique. We have achieved large-field-of-view (~0.8 mm × 0.8 mm) and high-speed (0.8 frames/second) with a compact implimentation suitable for skin interrogation. One related patent has been granted in the U.S.
Biomedical Optics Express 7(11), 4375-4387 (2016).
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman microscopy for single-cell analysis @ Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.
We have been developing coherent anti-Stokes Raman (CARS) microscopy for practical use that acquires information on abundant molecular species from living organisms in a label-free manner. We have succeeded in mounting the light source part of the CARS microscope, which previously required a large optical table, in a palm-sized device, paving the way for its practical application. We have also developed a calculation method for quantifying molecular density at high speed from CARS signals based on mathematical considerations. Three related patents have been granted.
Optics Express 23(13), 17217 (2015).
Optics Express 23(4), 5300 (2015).
Optics Express 23(3), 2872 (2015).
Coherent optical disc technology @ Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.
We have been developing coherent optical disc technology inspired by the field of optical fiber communication for the development of high-capacity optical memory. Initially, we demonstrated a coherent detection method that solves the problem of reduced signal-to-noise ratio of readout signals of multi-layer optical discs, and later proposed and demonstrated a new high-capacity, high-speed recording and readout method (phase multi-level recording micro hologram method) that applies the coherent detection method. We also developed technologies to "reimport" these technologies to optical communication devices. We were granted numerous patents for these series of researches.
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 52, 09LD02 (2013).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 51, 08JD01 (2012).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 51, 08JA01 (2012).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 51, 08JE01 (2012).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 51, 08JB01 (2012).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 50, 09ME01 (2011).
Proc. SPIE 77301D (2010).
Proc. SPIE 77300E (2010).
Proc. SPIE 75050H (2009).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 48, 03A017 (2009).
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 48, 03A014 (2009).
Proc. SPIE 662005 (2007).
Quantum optics and quantum information @ The University of Tokyo
We have been developing methods to generate multi-photon entangled states, which are the key to quantum computing and quantum information communication, and methods to quantum information processing. As a representative achievement, we have proposed and demonstrated a method to generate a type of three-photon entangled state more than 40 times more efficiently than previous methods, using stimulated emission of light, which is also known as the principle of laser oscillation and super-resolution microscopy. We also demonstrated experimentally that quantum information processing, called remote state preparation, is possible using entangled states consisting of four photons. In addition, we proposed a method for generating various multiphoton entangled states and a method for implementing quantum information processing called quantum telecloning.
Phys. Rev. A 75, 022325 (2007).
Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 150404 (2005).
Phys. Rev. A 72, 063801 (2005).
Phys. Rev. A 70, 052308 (2004).
Research
Make the most of light
The greatest strength of our laboratory is our proficiency in photonics, which has been acquired by studying in various fields such as quantum optics, optical memory, optical communications, Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear optical microscopy, and high-speed imaging. We will continue to pursue the possibilities of light in life sciences by sharpening our strengths to the extreme.
Extract desired information
We inspect what information is genuinely needed and create smart data processing, data analysis, and measurement technologies, enabling us to extract previously inaccessible information from life. We are incorporating AI technology, which has been developing rapidly in recent years, into our work as a powerful approach to extract desired information from raw data.
Illuminate the secret of life
We employ our photonics and informatics technology to solve the mysteries that remain in life sciences. To this end, we will proactively collaborate with external collaborators as well as within the laboratory.
Create practical technologies
We develop new technologies with practical applications in mind. Even if we create an idea from a technical point of view, we brush it up from a practical point of view to make it a useful technology. We also aim to commercialize our technology through collaboration with companies or the establishment of startups. We are actively applying for patents.