Department of Electronic and Physical Systems

Please tell us about the characteristics of your department and major.

At the Department of Electronic and Physical Systems, we aim to understand and further develop technologies and sciences that utilize electronics and photonics, based on physics. After being assigned to the department in their second year, students build on foundational subjects in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. They study a wide range of topics, including nano-technology-related subjects like quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, core electronic engineering subjects such as electromagnetism, circuit theory, and information theory, photonics-related subjects like optoelectronics and optical communication systems, and electronic-related subjects like electronic devices, high-density integrated circuits, and system LSI design. The department offers personalized education in small classes, enabling students to understand the basics thoroughly and progress to advanced studies smoothly as they advance through the years.

Could you tell us what your department and major aims to achieve and the type of person you are looking for?

Can you accurately predict what technologies will be important 20 or 30 years from now? Unfortunately, I cannot. Even if you land your dream job, it is unlikely that the knowledge and skills required will remain unchanged for decades. You will probably go through several major transformations in your career. In the midst of all this change, the fundamental principles of physics remain constant. We believe that individuals who have a strong foundation in the basics and can apply this knowledge are the ones who will drive major innovations.

In the Department of Electronic and Physical Systems, we focus on building a solid foundation in physics and electronics, equipping students with the ability to apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems, and preparing them to lead the next generation of technological advancements. Our interdisciplinary curriculum offers opportunities to integrate and study a wide range of fields, including electronics, photonics, information systems, materials science, and physics. We place equal emphasis on both theory and practical application in our education.

Please give us a brief introduction to your specialty.

I specialize in research on convergence of radio and optical technologies. Both lightwaves and radio waves are types of electromagnetic waves, so they share fundamental theoretical principles, although their properties differ significantly. It is crucial to understand where these commonalities and differences lie, and to apply each according to their unique characteristics. Recently, my research has focused on terahertz waves, which are electromagnetic waves situated between lightwaves and radio waves. Compared to the radio waves used in everyday devices like Wi-Fi and mobile phones, terahertz waves have a wavelength about one-hundredth and a frequency approximately one hundred times higher.

In collaboration with domestic and international research institutions, we are investigating wireless communication using terahertz waves at frequencies around 300 GHz. We have developed outdoor terahertz communication units that can automatically adjust antenna alignment, a task that is particularly challenging due to the straight-line propagation characteristics of terahertz waves. The terahertz units, installed on the rooftop of Building 61, allows for 24-hour monitoring of communication conditions. Additionally, it is equipped with weather sensors to measure terahertz communication properties under various conditions. This setup is unique to Waseda University and provides valuable data.

Our applied research, aimed at benefiting society, is conducted in collaboration with external research institutions and companies. Examples include radar systems for monitoring foreign objects on airport runways and communication systems for high-speed rail. These systems cleverly combine lightwaves and radio waves to minimize unwanted radio emissions while maintaining necessary performance. We are also actively engaged in international joint research. Graduate students have participated in experiments at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Moreover, my research includes fundamental studies on the properties of lightwaves and radio waves. This involves developing high-speed devices that convert lightwave signals to electric signals and vice versa, and studying the fluctuations in the propagation of lightwaves and radio waves. These studies are academically significant and crucial for ensuring stable communication.

Please give a message to prospective students (entrance exam candidate).

While it is valuable to have an interest in currently trending fields, solving difficult social issues such as declining birth rates and environmental problems will require major innovations, potentially driven by technologies we have not yet discovered. I encourage you to pursue both the practical applications needed right now and the foundational knowledge that will prepare you for future technologies. This department is ideal for those who want to study ICT, electronics, photonics, and materials engineering with a solid understanding of physics. Programming and mathematics are also essential tools, so we welcome students who excel in these areas.