Yoshiaki Nakano（Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）

　Optics and photonics have greatly contributed to information and communication technologies so far, supporting today’s society. Meanwhile, as DX and AI progress, there is an emerging need for significantly lower power consumption in information systems and advanced interfaces that connect the real world with the cyber world. In this research area, we aim to create the foundational technologies necessary for the realization of green information systems that are integrated with the real world and support a sustainable society. Focusing on the fundamental differences in nature between light/photons and electrons, we aim to develop innovative information processing, communication, and sensing systems that make the most of the advantages of photons over electrons. We will also work on developing new materials and process technologies necessary for this purpose. To achieve our goals, we must break away from conventional wisdom, and in doing so we anticipate synergy from the fusion of fields such as information systems, devices, and material researchers.
　Specifically, we will cover research and development in fields including the following: (1) creating principles and fundamental technologies that demonstrate the true value of light, (2) developing hybrid technologies of optics/photonics with other fields, and (3) pioneering innovative utilization technologies of optics/photonics for a sustainable information society.