Sensing with micromechanical structures
We use micro- and nanoscale mechanical structures to detect small changes in force, mass, temperature, humidity, gases, and magnetic fields.
Creating new sensing systems that connect micromechanics, quantum science, interfaces, and the environment.
Toda Laboratory develops advanced sensing systems based on semiconductor microfabrication, micro/nanomechanics, mechanical resonance, magnetic resonance, quantum sensing, and interfacial science. We aim to detect small signals and hidden phenomena that are difficult to access by conventional electrical or optical measurements alone, and to integrate them into practical systems.
News: Toda Laboratory was newly launched on October 1, 2026.
Research Overview
Breakthrough sensing through the synergy of quantum effects and micromechanics
We regard micromechanical structures not only as miniature devices but also as physical interfaces that convert quantum, magnetic, and interfacial phenomena into practical signals. Deformation, vibration, and resonance of microstructures enable highly sensitive readout of force, mass, temperature, humidity, gases, magnetic fields, and interfacial charge or radical generation.
Semiconductor microfabricationDesign and fabrication technologies for advanced microstructures form the basis of our work.
Micro/nanomechanicsCantilevers, resonators, and MEMS/NEMS convert small changes into mechanical quantities.
Quantum and magnetic resonance sensingWe extend mechanical sensing to spin, magnetic resonance, NV-center, and quantum measurements.
System creationWe develop new sensing systems for environmental, energy, biomedical, materials, and information technologies.
Researches
Mechanical resonance and sensitive measurement
We study sensors that read out small changes as frequency shifts or displacements using cantilevers and resonators.
Quantum and magnetic resonance sensing
We combine quantum and spin measurements with micromechanics, including magnetic resonance force microscopy, ESR imaging, microfluidic NMR, and diamond NV centers.
Interfacial phenomena and green sensing
We investigate charge transfer, radical generation, molecular interactions, triboelectric effects, and heat and mass transport at interfaces involving water, molecules, polymers, diamond, and solid surfaces.
Keywords
MEMS/NEMSMicro/nanomechanicsMechanical resonatorsCantilever sensorsGas sensorsHumidity sensorsMagnetic resonance force microscopyESR imagingMicrofluidic NMRDiamond NV centersQuantum sensingQuantum–mechanical fusionInterfacial phenomenaTriboelectric effectsWater environmentGreen technologyInternational collaboration
Members
Prospective Students and Visitors
Please contact us if you are interested in our research. Laboratory visits and consultations for prospective students are welcome.
Contact
Toda Laboratory
Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
6-6-01 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
Mechanical Engineering Building 1, Room 411 and Room 413