This year's London Olympics provided us with many opportunities to enjoy live broadcasts and prerecorded programs of Olympic events over the network. Of course, there were still many people who enjoyed the Olympics on regular TV, but the use of personal computers and tablets enabled us to enjoy our favorite events and athletes wherever we liked. In this way, we can expect the fixed and mobile network environment to expand all the more in the years to come.
NTT is focusing its R&D efforts on achieving a faster photonics network to cope with larger volumes of traffic in such a network environment. At Microsystem Integration Laboratories, we are researching silicon photonics that combine the features of light and electrons and optical path switches that use micromirrors. Our aim here is to develop small, large-capacity devices that are essential to achieving a high-speed, power-saving network.
At the same time, there is a strong desire for ultra-broadband wireless transmission capabilities for live HDTV broadcasting of sporting events especially from stadiums, golf courses, and other venues where the laying of optical fiber is difficult. At Microsystem Integration Laboratories, our aim is to achieve 10-Gbps transmission in the 120-GHz millimeter-wave band, which has been difficult to utilize with existing technologies, and to provide this system to broadcast stations. We are also researching scanner technology using millimeter waves and the higher terahertz region too.
Another key mission of Microsystem Integration Laboratories is to achieve innovation in communication terminals with a focus on sensors. As smartphones continue to spread in society, we can expect the use of sensors to escalate as applications that require sensors such as for game playing and health maintenance become increasingly popular. In response to this trend, we are researching and developing techniques for shrinking the size of various types of sensors through CMOS-MEMS integration technology and ways of achieving biomolecular sensors. Our objective here is to contribute to the development of innovative terminals that can be worn, for example, like glasses and that can perform various types of analysis.
By researching and developing advanced devices to support the network of the future and novel sensors to achieve innovative communication terminals, Microsystem Integration Laboratories hopes to make a significant contribution to the further development of communication services and the realization of an exciting and enriching future.