All properties of matter are governed by the motion of the constituent electrons and nuclei. We therefore aim at revealing the origin of the static and dynamic nature of matter at such a most fundamental level. To this end, we are going to develop and make full use of new experimental methods which visualize the electron and nuclear motion based on electron-electron and electron-atom Compton scattering.

We have investigated interfacial phenomena at various interfaces such as solid-liquid and gas-liquid interfaces. We utilize nano-micro-fabrication technology, and advanced spectroscopic methods such as the laser light scattering and fluorescent polarization methods. We aim to develop novel analytical chemistry methods in the fields of bio, environmental, and food analysis.

We have developed the new techniques which allow the bottom-up synthesis of advanced carbon materials with controlled structures at atomic/molecular scale. We also focus on the development of advanced analysis techniques of carbon materials. Moreover, we proceed in the application of our advanced carbon-based materials for supercapacitors, secondary batteries, fuel cells, heat pump, catalysis, and healthcare, with many collaborators including research organizations and companies.

Multifunctional molecular-assemblies have been examined from the viewpoint of structural freedom of organic molecules. The electrical conducting, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties of the molecular-assemblies are designed to realize future organic electronics and mechatoronics. Diverse molecular assemblies from single crystal, plastic crystal, liquid crystal, gel, to Langmuir-Blodgett film are our research targets, and wide range research techniques from the organic synthesis, structural evaluation, to physical measurements are utilized.

As the molding and processing size approaches single-digit nanometers, the correlation with molecules becomes stronger. Our laboratory is promoting research on extreme nanostructure modeling using optical nanoimprint technology. In addition to opening up the zepto-mol material chemistry of electron- and photo-active resist materials that contribute to mold manufacturing and material processing, we aim to realize the advanced process involving laser-drilled screen printing and the measurement and lamination technologies for atomic-accuracy positioning.

We are actively engaging in the research of organic nanomaterials aiming at the construction of drug delivery systems. Our nanodrugs composed of hydrophobic molecules we designed can be obtained with less than 100 nm in size, utilizing an unique precipitation method. We are aiming at the practical applications of these nanodrugs for the treatment of cancer and ocular diseases. (Kasai Lab)