May 2022 Vol. 20 No. 552022

https://www.ntt-review.jp/archive/2022/202205.html

Front-line Researchers

Hiroshi Sawada, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTTCommunication Science Laboratories▼Abstract
From his extensive research in blind source separation, Senior Distinguished
Researcher Hiroshi Sawada has received worldwide acclaim for his work with adomestic research partner on independent low-rank matrix analysis, namely, thedevelopment and integration of independent component analysis and non-negative
matrix factorization. He has also ventured into the field of neural networks. We
asked him about his research achievements and his attitude toward enhancing hisresearch activities.

Feature Articles
Development of IOWN with Global Partners

Progress in the Development of IOWN Technology▼Abstract

Hiroshi Sawada, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

Rising Researchers
Sousuke Imamura, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratories

Feature Articles
Development of IOWN with Global Partners
Progress in the Development of IOWN Technology
Study on Open All-Photonic Network in IOWN Global Forum
Data-centric-infrastructure Functional Architecture
Study of Storage Services at IOWN Global Forum

Regular Articles
The Challenge to Develop an Artificial Photosynthesis Device that Fixes CO2 Using the Sun

IOWN GF deliverables

Functional structure image of IOWN

AIC
Use CasesCPS
Use Cases
CognitiveFoundation®

(6)
RIMs forCPS-AM
Use Case

Digital Twin
ComputingCtrl
APIAPI

API

Processor
using photonicselectronics
convergence
technologies

CloudCtrl Edge

Ctrl

DeviceAgentDisaggregated Computing Infrastructure
All-Photonics Network

Public

AIC: AI-integrated communication
AM: area management
API: application programming interface

RIMforCPS-X…

RIMforAIC-X(5) IOWN Data Hub

End-to-end coordination of ICT resources

Network services
Ctrl Provider A
Provider C Ctrl
Provider BCtrl
APIMulti-Orchestrator

API
Agile allocation of ICT resources
Optimization of structure

Front-line Researchers

Technical improvements in full-stack layers are essential todevelop a future infrastructure with higher capacity, lower
latency, and lower power consumption toward acyber-physical society. NTT announced its roadmap for thistechnology, the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network(IOWN), in April 2020 and has accelerated to implement theroadmap with global partners of the IOWN Global Forum(IOWN GF). IOWN GF developed and published a series ofdeliverables on Open All-Photonic Network (Open APN),IOWN for Mobile Network, Fiber Sensing for Open APN,
Data-Centric Infrastructure, IOWN Data Hub, and a
Reference Implementation Model. This article provides anoverview of these deliverables and describes the growth ofIOWN GF and its activities.

(4)

IOWN for Mobile NW(3)

Data-Centric Infrastructure(1)

Open APN(2) Fiber Sensing

PrivateCPS: cyber-physical system
Ctrl: controller
ICT: information and communication technology

Regular Articles

The Challenge to Develop an Artificial Photosynthesis
Device that Fixes CO2 Using the Sun▼Abstract
Interest in reducing greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), as ameasure against climate change is increasing not only in countries but also inPhotoanode (λ < 600 nm)
ecompanies around the world. The NTT Group has formulated a new vision forAlkaline aqueous solution(pH > 13)zero environmental impact and declared its intention to achieve carbon neutrality
HHby 2040. We expect artificial photosynthesis that converts CO2 and water (H2O)
OPV (λ > 600 nm)
Sunlight
hinto hydrocarbons and molecular oxygen (O2) using solar energy to be aOtechnology that contributes to CO2 reduction. To introduce this technology to theOmarket, it is necessary to improve its efficiency and durability. We propose aHgas-phase CO2 reduction reaction system to improve solar-to-hydrocarbon
econversion efficiency ηSTC and conducting basic research on electrodes thatHCOOH
COmake up this system. We studied a nickel oxide/indium gallium nitride
COProductsCOCO(NiO/InGaN) photoanode to achieve both high efficiency and long lifetime. We
also studied a copper (Cu)-fiber cathode to improve efficiency. In our system
Proton-exchange membrane
Cathodeusing these electrodes, formic acid (HCOOH) was produced in 140 hours ofcontinuous light irradiation, resulting in an ηSTC of 0.16%.
−++−

Global Standardization Activities
Latest Research Results and ITU-T Standardization Activities on Soft Errors Caused by CosmicRays2222