RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Efforts in Joint Research with Tohoku University
Tohoku University is a leading comprehensive university in Japan, and its Graduate School of Engineering is actively conducting cutting-edge research for scientific and technological innovation. The next-generation synchrotron facility "Nano Terrace," visited by the G7 in May 2023, has garnered significant attention. Our group company, Tamagawa Electronics, has also contributed to the establishment of this facility. Additionally, we are promoting collaboration in the field of semiconductor/MEMS.
Regarding our quantum business, we have recently developed gas cells in collaboration with Tohoku University, and Tokyo University is applying them as quantum sensors, leading to further breakthroughs.
At our company, we are engaged in joint research with Professor Takahito Ono of Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering and Academic Researcher Yasufumi Furuya of Tohoku University Micro System Fusion Research and Development Center (former Special Appointed Professor at Tohoku University, Honorary Professor at Hirosaki University). The main objective is to develop innovative products by integrating Tohoku University's cutting-edge technology with Tamagawa Electronics' advanced electronics technology for ultra-high-speed, high-capacity next-generation communications. Furthermore, we aim to develop sustainable energy solutions through collaboration with Tamagawa Energy. Through this partnership, we anticipate harnessing the research prowess of Tohoku University and the practical capabilities of the industrial sector to drive the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and the creation of new business opportunities.
In the midst of significant changes in the era and society, our company aims to identify new challenges and needs and expand into new domains from existing fields to pursue business expansion. Moving forward, we will contribute to achieving a "decarbonized society" by providing solutions in the fields of "communication," "energy," and "space."
Quantum communication business
In recent years, the rapid development of quantum computers has raised concerns that traditional encryption methods using public keys may be easily deciphered, potentially rendering secure communication over the internet ineffective. To address this issue, efforts to establish a quantum internet using quantum encryption keys that are theoretically unbreakable by quantum computers have been advancing rapidly. The market for quantum internet is expected to reach several hundred billion to several trillion yen, joining the existing internet infrastructure (see the diagram below).
In this business, we are working to create a network of fiber optics and space communication specifically designed for quantum encryption, departing from the conventional optical fiber communication network. We are promoting the development of communication equipment and systems utilizing these networks as a new venture.
Quantum Sensing Business
We have been advancing into new business ventures with a focus on gas cells for quantum sensing, building upon the application of the gas cell developed in collaboration with Tohoku University and used at the University of Tokyo for a compact atomic clock. Several academic achievements have already been made, and a presentation was delivered at the 39th Symposium on Sensors, Micro-machines, and Applied Systems held in November 2022. The presentation highlighted the results obtained from the use of our technology in the study of detecting dark matter in space. We are committed to further expanding our business in the fields of space exploration and advanced medical applications in the future.
SDGs Business
In our telecommunications and renewable energy businesses, we are incorporating environmental sensing using semiconductor fusion devices that enable low power consumption and miniaturization. Our aim is to generate new added value. It's important to note that as the integration density of electronic circuits increases, it becomes possible to achieve lower power consumption.
Therefore, in the context of decarbonization and our commitment to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as part of our business, we are promoting initiatives towards a Digital Agrarian City National Concept, envisioning the widespread adoption of cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
The Digital Agrarian City National Concept and an overview diagram of the applications of semiconductor fusion devices envision the potential to miniaturize various sensors using semiconductor technology and further reduce power consumption. As a result, diverse applications are expected in various fields.
Development site
Expected to be released in the near future.