Laboratory Strategies
From Science to Innovative Core Technology
Hideaki Takayanagi
Director of NTT Basic Research Laboratories
NTT Basic Research Laboratories (BRL) wasestablished in 1998 when the former BRL was divided into two: NTT Communication Science Laboratories and NTT BRL. Ever since then, we have been
focusing on basic research in the area of hardware.
Our goals are to: 1) discover novel principles andinvent novel concepts in the field of network technology to overcome the present limitations in speed,
capacity, and size and 2) pioneer basic technologythat will become a frontier for future business. Our
two most promising projects are quantum information processing and the nano-bio project.
The main research in quantum information processing is on quantum computers and quantum cryptography. The quantum computer, which is based on
the principles of quantum mechanics, unfortunately
has a negative image as something that could crack
public key cryptography. However, it has good potential for developing superior algorithms as valuable as
Shor’s algorithm, which would lead to various applications. Taking advantage of our ability to run projects ranging from small to huge, NTT BRL has
engaged in research on quantum bits using solid-statecomponents utilizing both superconductors and semiconductors. We have achieved world-class success inquantum oscillation measurement and single-shotreadout. However, we are still at the initial stage,
operating with only 1 or 2 quantum bits, so it is likely to take another 15 to 20 years to actually make theso-called “dream computer.” On the other hand,quantum cryptography can be put to use much faster,in 5 to 10 years. Therefore, we are currently accelerating research in this field using single photons.
The nano-bio project is based on the fusion of neuroscience with bio-molecular science and nanotechnology. Analysis of the nano-scale conformationalchange of receptor protein corresponding to signaltransduction is one of the themes. A hybrid of molecular and protein-based devices that could be operated with a bio-informational architecture could be thebasis of novel devices in the future. This interdisciplinary research is extremely promising for creating a
new field of science and new knowledge. Nano-bio
science could be a key to understanding mysterious
biological phenomena and developing new technologies that lead to a novel, innovative social life in thefuture.
While promoting these two projects, we are also
implementing exploratory research in the following
fields: quantum correlation within low-dimensional
electron systems, systems that use the spin of individual electrons as an information carrier, material

design that uses quantum dots as building blocks,
electrical properties of carbon nano-tubes, andMEMS (microelectromechanical systems) related tosuperconductivity. As we research these topics, it isessential to judge whether or not they will bear fruitin the future, so good communication between
researchers and managers is vital.
Alongside such exploratory research, we are
putting efforts into creating innovative technology.
For instance, in the field of diamond semiconductors,
whose ability to handle high power and high-frequency waves should enable them to perform various
applications, we have succeeded in operating a diamond transistor at 80 GHz by developing technology
to produce diamond thin films of high quality. Moreover, we recently developed three-dimensional electron beam exposure technology and created theworld’s smallest globe, 30 µm in diameter. This exposure technology is expected to lead to the development of nano-bio devices. In addition, we areengaged in research on single-electron devices, whichhave extremely low power consumption, photonic
crystals for use as active optical circuits, and opticaldevices using wide-bandgap semiconductor materials. We see these as innovative technologies that will
overcome the limitations of the present network.
To maintain fruitful research activities we believe it
is essential to have an open research policy. We not
only keep in close touch with other NTT Laboratories, but also run various scientific exchange programs with institutes inside and outside Japan. We
have been working on quantum dots and quantum bits
together with Delft University and Stanford University for years. Nano-bio research with the University ofTokyo has also been producing promising results. In
addition, we are undertaking nearly 100 projects withothers on both the group and individual levels, andthese have all been mutually beneficial. Moreover, wehold International
Symposiums, SummerSchools, and International Advisory Board
Meetings to disseminate our research information worldwide andto encourage greater
understanding of it.