The information communications industry is undergoing a period of dramatic transition. The conversion to broadband is progressing rapidly and a major shift is under way from conventional fi xed telephone services to communication services that can transfer large volumes of data by employing the Internet protocol (IP). Even ADSL, which has been a major factor in the rapid spread of broadband services, has recently experienced a net reduction in subscriber numbers in Japan as we fi nally enter the era of full-scale optical access.

Optical communications technology has been progressing steadily in parallel with the development of photonic devices and components, and will support the networks of the broadband era. These include optical fi ber for carrying optical signals long distances, semiconductor lasers for transmitting multiple optical signals at high speeds, optical receivers for the rapid processing optical signals, and optical circuits for adding and dropping optical signals. Now that optical technology has matured we expect competition to intensify as regards the price of photonic devices. We also anticipate the creation of novel, value added, optical component technologies.

In light of the above trends, our mission at NTT Photonics Laboratories is to contribute to the further development of the information communications industry. We plan to achieve this by researching and developing optical/electrical components, modules, and materials to bring about major technical innovations, and by transforming these developments into commercially viable products. In particular, we are developing photonic devices through the use of composite techniques that integrate optical semiconductors, planar lightwave circuits (PLC), and ultra-high-speed electronics, which are our three technological pillars. Furthermore, while contributing to faster and more economical optical networks, we also plan to apply our technologies to diverse new fi elds including environmental protection and medical care. We hope to provide the world with photonic devices through technology transfers and product off erings. NTT Photonics Laboratories is committed to making a signifi cant contribution to the next generation information sharing society through these research and development activities.

NTT Photonics Laboratories
Director
December 2008