The main subject of our research is to develop the measurement techniques which are capable of detecting quite small but important effects for further understanding of nature. One of the most important examples of such effects is the gravitational wave; this is the wave propagation of gravitation interaction, predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity.

   Its effects are too small to be detected so far, even though efforts for over 40 years have been made in order to realize direct detection on the Earth. However, the development of precision laser interferometry could make it now possible; huge laser interferometers have been constructed recently all over the world in pursuit of this goal. Our group is taking part in the Japanese research group and engaged in developing optical systems for gravitational wave detectors. The research projects which we are now working on are as follows:

   High-power and stable laser for gravitational wave detectors Development of control and stabilization techniques for laser frequency and intensity, Evaluation of high quality optical elements, Novel interferometry techniques for extremely small vibration measurement, Characterization of fundamental noise phenomena (thermal noise, quantum noise) and related physics Characterization of high performance damping metal for the elimination of vibrational disturbances.