April 2014 Vol. 12 No. 4

Feature Articles: Keynote Speeches at NTT R&D Forum 2014

• Hiroo Unoura, President & CEO, NTT

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces a vision for new services to be achieved by 2020 and the technical challenges taken on by the NTT Group to provide behind-the-scenes support. The content of this article is based on the keynote lecture presented by NTT President and CEO Hiroo Unoura at NTT R&D Forum 2014 held on February 13–14, 2014.

• Hiromichi Shinohara, Director and Executive Vice President, Director of Research and Development Planning Department, NTT

  

  Abstract
  NTT aims to enhance the comfort and quality of life of people by exploiting information and communications technology (ICT). This article introduces NTT’s research and development (R&D) activities to achieve innovation through various collaborations. It is based on the keynote speech delivered by Hiromichi Shinohara, Director and Executive Vice President, Director of Research and Development Planning Department, NTT, at the NTT R&D Forum 2014 held on February 13–14, 2014.

Feature Articles: Cutting-edge Device and Materials Technologies for Creating New Business

• Innovative Services in Medicine, Healthcare, and Environment with Advanced Device and Materials Technologies

  

  Abstract
  Device and materials technologies originally developed for the telecommunications industry can be applied to implement creative and competitive information and communications technology services. This article introduces some research and development activities we are pursuing for the creation of new business fields.

• Electrocardiogram Monitoring Simply by Wearing a Shirt—For Medical, Healthcare, Sports, and Entertainment

  

  Abstract
  We developed a conductive fiber by coating the surface of silk or synthetic fiber with a conductive polymer and fabricated wearable electrodes to achieve long-term biosignal monitoring. This new bioelectrode made of a complex conductive material is flexible, biocompatible, and hydrophilic and allows stable recording equivalent to that obtained with conventional medical electrodes but without the need for any electrolyte paste, which can irritate the patients' skin. We can expect this wearable electrode to be utilized in various applications related to sports, health improvement, and early medical diagnosis by providing long-term biosignal monitoring without patient discomfort or irritation.

• 200-kHz Swept Light Source Using a KTN Deflector and a High-speed Optical Coherence Tomography System

  

  Abstract
  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a swept light source can acquire cross-sectional images of tissue with micrometer resolution for biomedical applications. High-speed OCT imaging is important for achieving advanced volume rendering and for reducing the number of undesirable artifacts. Here, we report the development of a 200-kHz swept light source (SS) using a KTN (potassium tantalite niobate: KTa_1-xNb_xO₃) deflector and a high-speed SS-OCT system, which we used to successfully obtain OCT images of a human finger.

• Terahertz Spectroscopic Identification of Pharmaceutical Crystals: Cocrystals and Polymorphic Forms

  

  Abstract
  Terahertz radio waves have about the same energy level as the non-covalent bonds between molecules, so they can be used in a spectroscopic technique for identifying differences in molecular networks. We introduce terahertz spectroscopy as a revolutionary technique for visualizing the molecular bonds in various forms of pharmaceutical crystals such as cocrystals and polymorphic forms that are closely related to crystal properties that have not yet been understood. Examples of such properties include solubility and systemic absorption rate.

• Highly Sensitive Laser Based Trace-gas Sensor Technology and Its Application to Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis

  

  Abstract
  Laser based trace-gas sensor technology has been used in various fields such as greenhouse gas monitoring. It has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its use in stable isotope analysis. This form of analysis is expected to have many applications, including verifying the geographic origin of food and determining the emission sources of greenhouse gases. These applications are promising for their role in overcoming various social problems.

• GaN-on-Si Technology for High-power Transistors

  

  Abstract
  Group-III nitride semiconductors are very promising materials for high-power electronic devices. The physical properties of these semiconductors make it possible to develop devices that show better performance than the silicon (Si)-based devices that are currently used for integrated circuits. In particular, replacing Si-based devices in inverters, which are widely used in home appliances, with gallium nitride (GaN)-based devices is an effective way to reduce electric power consumption in homes. In this article, a technique for forming GaN and related materials on Si substrates is introduced. This technique is suitable for low-cost mass production techniques because Si substrates have the largest size and lowest cost among various substrates.

Global Standardization Activities

• Standardization Activities on EMC for Telecommunication in ITU-T SG5

  

  Abstract
  The NTT Group participates in the development of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)-related standards as part of its effort to provide safe and secure telecommunication services. This article reports on the latest standardization activities on EMC for telecommunication. Specifically, it presents an overview of the first meeting of ITU-T SG5 (International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Study Group 5) in its new study period (2013−2016), including details of discussions held.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Case Studies of Insulation Failures in Outdoor Facilities and Countermeasures against Failures

  

  Abstract
  In this article, we introduce failure cases in outdoor access equipment and a countermeasure to them. This is the twenty-second in a bimonthly series on the theme of practical field information on telecommunication technologies. This month' s contribution is from the Materials Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters, NTT EAST.

New NTT Colleagues

• We welcome our newcomers to the NTT Group

Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings