In the segment 'A Look Around Innovation,' we introduce research and development (R&D) sites that have led to social implementation. In the 23rd installment of this series, we introduce Professor Hiroshi Takemura of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science, who is developing devices that use light invisible to humans to find hidden cancers in living bodies and detect cracks invisible from the surface. Takemura established his startup company in 2024 when the practical application of his device became promising, and he is now receiving inquiries from various companies.
Recording intensity of hundreds of wavelengths: Exceptional craftsmanship in lens processing
Takemura's laboratory is located at Tokyo University of Science's Noda Campus (Noda City, Chiba Prefecture). From the nearest station, it is accessible across a bridge over the Tone Canal, and students can be seen lining up at food trucks in the spacious courtyard at lunchtime. The device that Takemura pulled from a duralumin case looks at first glance like an endoscope used in surgery (Figure 1). However, this endoscope uses light invisible to the human eye to reveal landscapes different from what we can see. The technology used is called "hyperspectral imaging (HSI)."
We humans can only perceive light with wavelengths of approximately 400-700 nanometers. Light in this range is called visible light. Conventional digital cameras detect and record, as data, the intensity of three types of wavelengths within visible light: blue, green, and red. In contrast, HSI measures wavelength intensity every few nanometers, recording the intensity of dozens to hundreds of different wavelengths. The data obtained in this way is called a "spectrum," which refers to decomposing waves such as light or signals into components and arranging the intensity of each component. Because spectral data is enormous, artificial intelligence (AI) is sometimes used to analyze spectra. Systems that can capture not only visible light but also near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths of 1000 nanometers and above are called NIR-HSI.
While NIR-HSI devices existed previously, many were large and could not be transported to test sites. Takemura explains, "My goal is to see inside the human body using NIR-HSI. For that purpose, a reduction in size was necessary."
To achieve endoscope size, he decided to use a special laser light source capable of emitting various wavelengths and filters that allow only specific wavelengths to pass through. However, this method had one problem. Different wavelengths have different refractive indices, and the application of this method as-is would cause the focus to shift, resulting in blurred images. To solve this, he devised a system incorporating 60 glass lenses in the device to maintain focus across a broad wavelength range from visible light to near-infrared. "We commissioned a local factory to process the lenses. The processing is difficult, and it's not something other people can easily replicate," he revealed, indicating that the device relies on exceptional craftsmanship.
Exploring industrial needs through a JST program: Many inquiries from food industry and others
Takemura aims to contribute to medicine through NIR-HSI endoscopy. For example, blood vessels deep within tissue may not be visible to the human eye or even in conventional endoscopic images. When NIR-HSI wavelengths are applied, the blood vessels become visible as if seen with X-ray vision (Figure 2). Blood vessels, muscles, fat, and neural tissue have different wavelengths that they easily absorb or reflect, and NIR wavelengths have properties that easily penetrate surface tissues. This is why blood vessels invisible to the human eye become visible. Furthermore, tumors can also be detected.
However, when viewed with near-infrared light, thick blood vessels (blue dotted line) that were invisible with visible light can be seen existing in the depths (right).
For practical implementation in medical settings, there are various challenges, including safety checks and setting medical fee price points. However, Takemura thought that there might be possibilities for immediate practical use in non-medical industries. For example, using NIR-HSI makes it easy to classify types of transparent plastics that look identical (Figure 3). Therefore, he applied to JST's University-Originated New Industry Creation Fund Program feasibility study to explore what kinds of needs existed.
As a result, there were many inquiries from the food industry and others. "I think the NIR-HSI endoscope we developed is easy to carry, making on-site verification more flexible." Also, through verification, various issues with the device were discovered, leading to improvements. "I truly realized that there are many things you can only understand onsite," Takemura reflects.
While the team was advancing verification, corporate needs also became apparent. To accelerate further social implementation, Beyond Optical Technologies (Chiyoda City, Tokyo Prefecture) was established in 2024. Takemura's own interest in entrepreneurship since his student days and his desire to start a company also provided encouragement.
Driven by manufacturing spirit — Preparing to establish VB targeting medical applications
The company does not manufacture or sell NIR-HSI endoscopes but engages in analytical support and consulting services. While NIR-HSI endoscopes are used for analysis, in practice, several types of wavelengths are often sufficient for analyzing target objects. The company investigates what is needed for each case and provides support for incorporating these capabilities into existing on-site equipment.
Takemura describes himself as someone who "likes manufacturing." He says, "While research is my main occupation, I want to contribute to society with what I create." Driven by this manufacturing spirit, his laboratory develops devices based on robotics and biomechanics concepts in addition to NIR-HSI endoscopes.
Currently, he is conducting joint research with physicians and preparing to establish a medical venture targeting medical applications of NIR-HSI endoscopes. "For use in medical settings, there are high hurdles such as being able to sterilize equipment, but I want to overcome these challenges and help people," he expresses with enthusiasm.
(Article: Shosuke Shimada, Photography: Erika Shimamoto)
