With the emerging problem of drastic increases in energy consumption due to the progress of AI and DX, the improvement of energy efficiency using conventional technologies is nearing its limit, making the revamping of information technology utilizing light a vital issue. Moreover, strengthening and expanding capabilities for gathering and utilizing all types of information in the real world with information systems is desirable for helping to solve various social issues in the future, and technological innovation making full use of light will be the key for this. There may be physical limits to relying solely on conventional optical technology for such technological innovation, but if the scientific expertise in photonics, informatics, and materials science, etc., can be harnessed, we can expect that those physical limits can be overcome. Thus, in order to revamp the state of information systems toward a sustainable society, researchers will create synergy between photonics and informatics, materials science, etc., and open up frontiers in innovative and integrated technologies that go beyond conventional limits.
Strategic Planning, Research and Development Division