NTT Launches Photonic-Electronic Fusion Devices for Global Competitiveness
Tokyo, Monday, 3 February 2025.
NTT’s ‘IOWN’ initiative introduces energy-efficient, photonic-electronic fusion devices aimed at redefining global communication infrastructure and improving network efficiency.
Revolutionary Technology Development
NTT is making significant strides in optical communication technology through its IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) initiative, with a key focus on optical-electronic fusion devices (OEFDs) [1]. These revolutionary components, which convert optical signals to electrical signals, are designed to address the growing challenges of miniaturization and energy efficiency in modern communication networks [1]. The company’s proprietary ‘Membrane’ technology has achieved remarkable progress, producing OEFDs with a thickness of approximately 0.3 micrometers – roughly one-tenth of traditional methods [1].
Strategic Implementation Timeline
NTT has outlined an ambitious roadmap for IOWN deployment, with IOWN 2.0 scheduled for implementation in fiscal year 2025, followed by IOWN 3.0 in fiscal year 2028 [1]. The ultimate goal is to achieve IOWN 4.0, which aims to deliver a remarkable 100-fold increase in energy efficiency compared to current standards [1]. This development is particularly significant as NTT Vice President Kazutake Kawai confirms that achieving this unprecedented level of power efficiency is now within reach through their membrane technology [1].
Patent Protection and Commercial Strategy
Since 2013, NTT has been actively protecting its innovations, filing approximately 100 patents related to Membrane technology, with about half successfully granted [1]. The company’s competitive position was further strengthened in April 2024 through an amendment to the NTT Law, which now allows the company to maintain proprietary control over its research advancements [1]. To capitalize on these developments, NTT has established a dedicated subsidiary, NTT Innovative Devices, focusing on the development and manufacturing of OEFDs [1].
Global Patent Landscape
The timing of NTT’s advancement coincides with increased activity in the optical technology sector. Recent patent grants to Nippon Telegraph & Telephone for optical node devices [3] demonstrate the company’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge. This development comes amid a surge in global innovation in optical and display technologies, with various companies securing patents for related technologies [3].