Yoshihiro Oka
Associate Professor | Ph.D. in Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Course
Plasma Application Engineering Research Group
Working at the interface of plasma physics and fluid dynamics, Associate Professor Oka investigates how high-repetition, high-voltage pulses applied to liquids laden with cavitation-generated microbubbles can produce efficient, low-temperature plasma directly within the liquid phase. Building on this platform, his research extends from device development and fundamental discharge physics to applications such as powder dispersion, nanoparticle synthesis, microbial inactivation, and the decomposition of harmful organic compounds, with a view toward eventual implementation in environmental, medical, and agricultural settings.
Cavitation-Plasma Sterilizing Water as an Alternative to Chemical Pesticides
What students can learn
This theme introduces students to cavitation plasma technology and the landscape of chemical pesticides and their alternatives, while building practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, project management, communication, presentation, and critical thinking.
This research develops sterilizing water composed only of water, formulated to be safe for people and the environment. Because pesticide-resistant plant diseases and health concerns associated with chemical pesticides are on the rise, new agents capable of reducing reliance on such pesticides are needed. Cavitation plasma can generate water with sterilizing activity against plant pathogens and may help support sustainable agriculture that does not depend on chemical pesticides.
Social Implementation of Cavitation Plasma Technology
What students can learn
In this theme, students explore cavitation plasma technology alongside equipment design, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data analysis, project management, communication, presentation, critical thinking, and applied research.
This research spans cavitation plasma from fundamental principles to the design, fabrication, and application of practical systems. Existing devices are refined from multiple perspectives, and new equipment configurations are developed. Because cavitation plasma can process larger volumes more quickly than conventional in-liquid plasma, it is well suited to research and development aimed at social implementation and new business creation through collaboration with companies and research institutes.
