Researcher Interviews Vol.42024.2.5
Research of the electromagnetic material metasurface, which provides a new way to identify radio waves
Hiroki WAKATSUCHI
Associate Professor
Department of Engineering (Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) , Graduate School of Engineering
Continuously improving performance
as a researcher
- Fields of Research:
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing technology (mechanical, electrical/electronic, chemical engineering) / Communication and network
- Research Keywords:
- Radio waves, electromagnetic waves, communications, electric circuits, and electronic circuits
QWhat kind of research are you doing?
My research is related to radio waves. In particular, I am studying the electromagnetic material "metasurface." This material improves the radio wave environment so that your devices, such as smartphones and Bluetooth, can successfully send and receive radio waves. In fact, there are many different types of radio waves. Generally speaking, interference and malfunction between communication devices can be prevented by distinguishing radio waves based on their frequency, which indicates the number of vibrations per second. In my laboratory, we are developing electromagnetic materials that can distinguish radio waves according to their "pulse width," which represents the length of radio waves, even if the frequency is the same. By using pulse width in addition to conventional frequency, we aim to dramatically increase the number of radio waves that can be identified even within the same network.
Metasurfaces: With metal arranged in a periodic pattern and circuit elements connected, radio waves can be identified based on a new degree of freedom, “pulse width,” even at the same frequency.
QWhat inspired you to pursue a career in research?
I became interested in research when I was in high school. Back then, mobile phones were beginning to spread even further, and I decided to enter a university where I could learn about the effects of radio waves on living organisms. At my university, I was assigned to the research lab I wanted to join, but the lab’s project on the biological effects of radio waves had just finished. However, my supervisor at the university gave me the opportunity to study the biological effects of radio waves at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (a national research institute in Japan). I met a variety of students and researchers there. They inspired me so much that I realized the fun of research once again, and I became more deeply engrossed in my studies.
Associate Professor Wakatsuchi making measurement samples
QBefore taking your post at this university, you were at the University of California, San Diego as a postdoctoral researcher. Share with us any memorable moments there.
I learned the basics of my current research at the University of California, San Diego. Working there for about two years, I learned many things. It was a very sophisticated research environment. I had the opportunity to attend several classes at the university in spite of my position as a postdoctoral researcher. All the teachers were famous in their field. In the U.S., students ask many questions in classes. The teachers of my classes answered questions with an accurate grasp of the level of understanding of the student asking the question as well as the intent of the question. I was overwhelmed by the superior education level. This experience also provided me with a good goal for my future career.
QWhat do you find interesting about your research, what difficulties have you faced, and what is your focus as a researcher?
I think it is more interesting when research does not progress smoothly. There may be some difficulties and challenges in the process, but at the same time, there are many discoveries as well. These discoveries have become a source of my joy and excitement. There may be some downsides in research, but in my research, I try to work on things that I find interesting and truly fascinating. These days, I also try to interact openly with a variety of researchers, regardless of their research field. Over the past few years, I have met wonderful researchers through funding programs by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), such as PRESTO (Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology) or sakigake in Japanese, and FOREST (“Fusion Oriented REsearch for disruptive Science and Technology”). Through the encounter with these people, I realized once again the importance of developing my research into new joint studies and learning more about the outside world.
A farewell party with lab members along with a visiting professor and his family
Discussing measurement data with laboratory students
Analyzing data with a student, using an electromagnetic field simulator
QTell me about your future goals (both research and life-related).
My future goal remains unchanged, which is doing better research and writing better papers. In other words, my goal is to continuously improve my performance as a researcher. In the world of research, there are some yardsticks to evaluate research papers, such as the indicator called “impact factor” and authoritative journals. However, rather than paying attention to these measures, I am going to focus on presenting to the world better research results that I can be satisfied with.
Career summary
Education
July 2011 Ph. D in electrical and electronic engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering PhD, University of Nottingham, the U.K.
Professional Carrier
July 2016-present Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan
October 2013-June 2016 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan
October 2011-September 2013 Postdoctoral Researcher, the University of California San Diego, the U.S.
Memberships
April 2023-present Fusion Oriented REsearch for disruptive Science and Technology (FOREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
October 2019-March 2022 Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Strategic Basic Research Programs, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Hobbies and interests
Research, jogging, and spending time with my family
