Runa Koizumi

What is your favorite part about being a scientist, and how did you get interested in science? My favorite part about being a scientist is the continuous sense of discovery and the opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge. Being a scientist means getting the chance to explore the mysteries of the universe and developing solutions to complex problems. The excitement of uncovering something new, whether it’s a fundamental principle of nature or a groundbreaking technological advancement, is fascinating! I think my interest in science started at a young age through a combination of curiosity and exposure to quickly evolving advancements in tech. Growing up in an era when smartphones and laptops were starting to become widely adopted, I found myself captivated by how these devices were made and how they work. I think this curiosity ultimately led me to pursue a career in science. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to examine a liquid crystal sample under the microscope and I was amazed by all the colors and beautiful patterns I saw! That inspired me to delve deeper into the world of liquid crystals.

How does your work contribute to material innovation for the future of technology? Material innovation plays a key role in advancing the current AR technology. It would ultimately determine the performance of the AR waveguides. Waveguides play a pivotal role in directing and manipulating light to merge digital content with the real world. We are working on developing thin, lightweight AR waveguides that would enable users to have a fully immersive experience.

   
Tell us about a current project you are working on and how this is an example of materials innovation? I am working on developing the processes to fabricate waveguides for AR applications. The quality of an AR headset is influenced by various factors, and the comfort of users is undoubtedly a significant aspect. The AR glasses need to be as light as possible for daily use. Waveguides, which are responsible for guiding light from the projector to the users’ eyes, greatly impact the form factor and performance of the glasses. The gratings on the waveguide need to be made with high precision in order to deliver high-quality images to the users. Currently, there is no established method for fabricating such waveguides with optimal performance. Our team is working on seeking the best solution for producing these components and bringing them a step closer to mass production.