Dr. Kenju Otsuka | TS3L Research | Japan
The nomination highlights an accomplished researcher whose work spans laser physics, quantum electronics, self-mixing laser metrology, and nonlinear optical dynamics. Their academic background reflects decades of contributions to the development of advanced solid-state laser systems and the fundamental understanding of dynamic behavior in optical environments. The researcher has completed significant investigations, including the invention of stoichiometric laser crystals enabling highly efficient microchip lasers, as well as pioneering methods for controlling transverse laser modes through pump-beam modulation. Their studies on nonlinear dynamics—such as antiphase behavior, clustering phenomena, and chaotic itinerancy—have shaped theoretical and experimental approaches in optical complex systems. Current research focuses on advancing self-mixing metrology using thin-slice solid-state lasers with ultra-high sensitivity for measuring non-cooperative objects. This includes groundbreaking progress on laser-diode-pumped ruby lasers designed for extreme-precision sensing applications. The researcher has led several major projects in this domain, including development of thin-slice Cr:Al₂O₃ lasers aimed at pushing the limits of metrological sensitivity. Their scholarly output is extensive, with thousands of citations, numerous indexed journal publications, authored book chapters, and a monograph on nonlinear optical dynamics. They also hold multiple patents related to laser technologies, reflecting a strong innovation portfolio. The researcher has maintained active collaborations with leading scientists and institutions, contributing significantly to the global optics and photonics community. In addition to research achievements, they have served in editorial roles and hold prestigious fellowships in internationally recognized scientific societies, acknowledging their influence in laser science, photonic device engineering, and nonlinear dynamics. Their contributions to self-mixing laser metrology, laser mode manipulation, and the exploration of complex optical behaviors continue to advance precision measurement and optical system design.
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Featured Publications
Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2025). Harmonics-assisted 50-fold optical phase amplification with a self-mixing thin-slice Nd:GdVO₄ laser with wide-aperture laser-diode pumping. Photonics, 12(11), Article 1098. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111098
Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2025). Evaluation of thermal expansion of elastomer using self-mixing vibrometry with thin-slice solid laser. Journal of Applied Physics, 138(4), Article 0281888. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0281888
Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2024). Self-mixing thinly sliced ruby laser for laser Doppler velocimetry with high optical sensitivity. Optics Continuum, 3(11), Article 532807. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.532807
Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Spiking ruby revisited: Self-induced periodic spiking oscillations leading to chaotic state in a Cr:Al₂O₃ laser with cw 532-nm pumping. Optics Continuum, 2(9), Article 497640. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.497640
Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Erratum: Nonlinear dynamics of a self-mixing thin-slice solid-state laser subjected to Doppler-shifted optical feedback [Phys. Rev. E, 104, 044203 (2021)]. Physical Review E, 108(3), 039901. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.108.039901
Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2022). Self-mixing interference in a thin-slice solid-state laser with few feedback photons per observation period. Physical Review A, 106(5), 053504. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.053504