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Current Research at the R&D Center
Hoya is involved in a wide range of businesses. In each business division, the Group promotes R&D based on the medium-term plan, aiming to maintain and enhance its technological competitiveness. The Corporate R&D Center at the global headquarters provides development support for the technological issues embraced by each division, as well as conducting basic research that will supply the seeds for future growth and acquiring and cultivating new businesses and technologies from a long-term perspective. Hoya is currently shifting the core of R&D from the Information Technology field to medical and healthcare, and aggressively introducing development resources in order to bolster the R&D system. In the medical and healthcare field, the Company is focusing not only on areas where it already has technologies, but also on regenerative medicine and diagnostic and treatment methods other than endoscopy, looking to expand the range of future possibilities.
3C-SiC
Hoya is promoting the development of 3C-SiC cubic monocrystal silicon carbide semiconductor wafers and devices, which are expected to offer superior energy efficiency. 3C-SiC can be used in automobiles and home appliances such as air conditioners to help combat global warming. Taking volume production efficiency into account, Hoya is currently developing six-inch wafers and testing and evaluating the power devices that will be the end product. Nanoimprint technology
Hoya is putting its years of expertise in lithographic technologies to good use in the development of nanoimprint molds, which will be used to create the discrete track recording (DTR) media and bit pattern media (BPM) for next-generation hard disk drives (HDDs). Various HDD manufacturers are pursuing R&D to commercialize this technology as early as possible, and Hoya has launched shipment of samples. In BPM, Hoya has succeeded in using its microfabrication technologies to achieve a track pitch of 30 nanometers or less.*1*1 Nanometer (nm): 1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter
Optical Communications Parts
As the FTTH (Fiber to the Home) environment widens around the world, Hoya has developed a module for converting optical signals to electrical ones at optical communication access points that is compliant with GE-PON/G-PON*2, a high-speed optical communications standard. By building a functional device on top of a wafer, Hoya has succeeded in creating products that are significantly smaller than existing products. In fiscal 2010, the Company received approval from customers and launched product shipments. Hoya first invested in this technology in 2005, and produced the first product through joint development with the former Xponent Photonics, Inc., a U.S. company that merged with Hoya in 2008. As optical networks continue to develop going forward, the market is expected to grow to the \10 billion scale.*2 GE-PON/G-PON (Gigabyte Passive Optical Network): A technology that enables high-speed transmission of 1.25-2.5 gigabyte per second over fiber optic lines and networks.
Biocompatible Materials
Hoya is researching biocompatible materials for ophthalmological applications. Hoya already has a visual correction lens business that handles intraocular lenses (IOLs) and contact lenses. The Company is now developing materials that are more durable and functional and that are better for the eyes. As part of this research, Hoya is investigating an artificial crystalline lens material that fills the crystalline lens capsule. This material has the potential to regulate visual acuity and is expected to become a therapeutic method on a par with IOLs.Microfiberscope with 0.8mm external diameter
In the field of endoscopy, Hoya is working to develop component technologies and products that will allow minimally invasive procedures, thereby reducing discomfort and the burden on the patient, and that will enable observation of minute lesions. The challenge lies in developing small yet high-resolution imaging devices and advanced image processing technologies.In the year under review, Hoya developed a microfiberscope with an external diameter of 0.8mm. The Company now plans to incorporate this technology in endoscopic systems for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lung cancer and other diseases.