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Yoshioka Lab
Factory to Table — Redefining the Boundary Between Light and Matter
Factory to Table — Redefining the Boundary Between Light and Matter
Conventional photonics has long been shackled to massive infrastructures—giant fab plants reliant on top-down subtractive processes and "permanent" inorganic materials. We are shattering this dogma. Our vision is "Table-top Fabrication": democratizing the manufacturing of optical devices so that anyone can print them on demand, right on their desk.
At the Yoshioka Laboratory (Kyushu University), we leverage soft materials to seamlessly bridge the particle and wave natures of light, pioneering the field of "Organic Coherent Photonics." We are not merely mimicking existing devices. Through bottom-up self-assembly from liquid phases via inkjet printing, mask-free local processing via nanoscratches, and 3D hybrid integration with inorganic waveguides, we are constructing entirely new optical architectures that rival silicon photonics.
The robust inorganic skeleton meets the flexible organic flesh. Upon this solid foundation, we are now preparing to launch a new paradigm for next-generation optical engineering.
Table-top Fabrication
Table-top Fabrication
Liberated from the need for massive infrastructure, we achieve "on-demand generation of optical circuits." Utilizing our proprietary inkjet and nanodispensing technologies, we harness liquid-phase self-assembly to directly print optical microcavities with atomically smooth surfaces. This approach has successfully demonstrated ultra-low threshold lasing at room temperature under atmospheric conditions.
Mask-free Local Etching
Mask-free Local Etching
We are driving an "innovation in local processing" that entirely eliminates the reliance on plasma or vacuum equipment. Through liquid flow microetching driven by microneedle fluid delivery and nanoscratch processing using a mechanical probe, we sculpt structures that physically dictate light behavior—accomplishing this completely free of resists and masks.
Organic-Inorganic Symbiosis
Organic-Inorganic Symbiosis
We realize the seamless fusion of inorganic silicon chips with soft organic materials. By directly fabricating organic devices onto robust platforms like Si3N4 waveguides using inkjet printing and related techniques, we have achieved highly efficient, 3D hybrid integration of high-performance microlasers and optical microcavities.
Chiral & Vortex Light Control
Chiral & Vortex Light Control
Going far beyond merely replacing existing technologies, our approach sparks the "emergence of new optical functions." From unidirectional (clockwise/counterclockwise) chiral light control implementing engineered diffraction gratings, to the generation of Bessel-Gaussian modes via organic-inorganic hybrid integration, we freely manipulate complex light waves and optical vortices directly on a chip.
Principal Investigator: Hiroaki Yoshioka
Principal Investigator: Hiroaki Yoshioka
From the Limits of "Power" to the Zenith of "Precision."
My research journey began with the development of massive YAG lasers. Yet, as I immersed myself in the heavy-equipment industry that pursued raw energy, a deep craving awakened within me—a desire for optical technologies that are flexible, accessible, and intimately connected to our environment.
Following my research at Kyushu University and my tenure as a guest professor at the University of Münster (Germany), my focus decisively shifted from "macroscopic light" to the "microscopic realm." Today, I am breaking away from the limitations of conventional photonic integrated circuits bound by giant cleanroom infrastructures. By confining light within a single "drop of ink" through ultra-precise manipulation—Table-top Fabrication—I am looking at the true future of light.
Join the Vanguard: Shatter the Conventions of Light
The Yoshioka Laboratory at Kyushu University is seeking passionate students who are ready to challenge the conventional concept of "permanent" devices and co-create entirely new optical architectures.
We place the highest value on an environment of flat, open discussion. We do not operate under a rigid "teacher-student" hierarchy; instead, we work together as true "science partners" to tackle uncharted territories. Laser engineering, integrated photonics, and soft materials—by fusing these disciplines, why not join us in launching the next generation of optical engineering that will astonish the world?
We are always open to inquiries regarding lab tours and collaborative research.
[ Contact ]
Email: h.yoshioka[a]ed.kyushu-u.ac.jp (Please replace [a] with @. )
Kyushu University, Ito Campus, West building 2
For detailed achievements and biography, please click here (to Yoshioka's personal website)
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