Hiroyuki Minamikawa
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Hiroyuki Minamikawa is a leading researcher in the field of mechanically responsive molecular crystals, with a particular focus on photo- and thermo-mechanical actuation. His most notable contribution is the discovery of an azobenzene single crystal that exhibits an abrupt and reversible stretching of over 8% along its long axis during a thermal phase transition. This work, published in 2025, addresses a critical challenge in the field: achieving large, durable, and reversible deformation in single-component organic crystals. By demonstrating that a simple azobenzene derivative can undergo such dramatic shape change without fatigue, Minamikawa has opened new pathways for the design of high-performance actuators and components for soft microrobotics. While his citation count is still growing, the novelty and potential impact of his work—bridging fundamental crystal engineering with functional device applications—marks him as an emerging innovator in smart materials. His research promises to transform how we think about molecular-scale motion and its translation into macroscopic mechanical work.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1