Advanced ICT
Research InstituteFor inquiries on NICT,
please contact the Public Relations Department at:
Tel: +81‐42‐327‐5392 Fax: +81‐42‐327‐7587
E-mail: publicity@nict.go.jp

Contact us at:General Planning Oﬃce,Advanced ICT Research InstituteTel: +81‐78‐969-2100 Fax: +81‐78‐969-2200
E-mail: karc@ml.nict.go.jp
2024.06

MESSAGE

Research outline of Advanced ICT Research InstituteWe explore new concepts and new technologies that will produce the novel paradigms of future ICT.
We also promote research collaboration between industry, academia and government.
Superconducting integrated
circuit technology
Nano-hybrid technology
Terahertz ICT device technology
Research and development of ICT
mimicking intelligence in nature
Research and development of Bio-ICT

Frontier
ICT

AdvancedICT Device

Director General,
Advanced ICT Research Institute

Wada Naoya, Ph.D.

The Frontier

Explore New
Fundamentals
for Future ICT

Quantum
ICT"Creating and developing innovation beyond conventional concepts”
NICT has been engaged in R&D in five strategic areas characterized by five keywords:
observe, connect, create, protect and pioneer. Five research institutes lead these R&D
efforts. The Advanced ICT Research Institute is carrying out advanced basic researchwith a pioneering spirit, aiming to open up new horizons in ICT research.
The Fifth Medium to Long-term Plan has been adopted in April 2021. Our area of R&D
focus changed from frontier research to frontier science research. The term “science” isadded to heighten expectations for us to make significant breakthroughs by performing
cutting-edge R&D. We view ourselves as pioneers exploring the frontiers of science.

Oxide semiconductor electronic
device technology
DUV ICT device technology

CollaborationwithIndustry,
Academia,
and Government

Quantum secure network technology
Quantum node ICT technology

NeuralICT

Advanced brain measurement and analysis
Neural information and communication
R & D base of Neural information andcommunication technology

CiNet in Suita, Osaka is transferred to our institute in Kobe, Hyogo and Koganei, Tokyo.
This arrangement has made the Advanced ICT Research Institute the largest researchorganization within NICT and has expanded our R&D capabilities.
The Advanced ICT Research Institute is working to create and develop innovation beyond
conventional concepts.

Organization Chart of the Advanced ICT Research Institute
Advanced ICT Research Institute（Director General）
General Planning Office（Kobe）

Kobe Frontier Research Center

1

Koganei Frontier Research Center

Center for Information and Neural Networks（CiNet）

Superconductive ICT Device Laboratory

Planning OfficePlanning OfficeNano-scale Functional Assembly ICT Laboratory

Quantum ICT Laboratory

Brain Networks and Communication Laboratory

Bio-ICT Laboratory

Terahertz ICT Device Laboratory

Brain Function Analysis and Imaging Laboratory

Neuro-ICT Laboratory

Green ICT Device Laboratory

Neural Information Engineering Laboratory

DUV ICT Device Laboratory

2

Koganei Frontier Research Center
Koganei Frontier Research Center
Advanced ICT Research Institute（Koganei）

Terahertz ICT Device Laboratory Terahertz Wave Electronics Project

NICT started the fifth mid-term plan from 2021 to 2025. Koganei Frontier
Research Center was newly installed under Advanced ICT Research Instituteat the headquarters in Koganei, Tokyo. Three laboratories in the research
center work on the cutting-edge science and technology as “frontiers” in the
ICT field. Quantum ICT Laboratory develops a secure network with quantum key
distribution by using quantum behavior of photons, and conducts fundamental
research on control and measurement technologies of photons and materials
based on quantum mechanics. Terahertz ICT Device Laboratory studies
new semiconductor devices available at the ultra-high frequency bands, anddevelops wireless communication systems with the devices for broad-bandcommunications superior to the fifth generation. Green ICT Device Laboratory
pursues new-function electronic devices with high-efficiency semiconductormaterials derived from gallium oxide for decreasing environmental load.
Koganei Frontier Research Center will proceed the research and development on
important element technologies for breakthroughs in the future communications,and will suggest new ICTs for our society first in the world.

Quantum ICT Laboratory

Si-CMOS chip

Cross-section of
GaN-based HEMTTerahertz ICT Device Laboratory Terahertz Wave Photonics Project

Our laboratory has two main R&D projects. One is the developmentof quantum photonic network technology, which includes quantum key
distribution networks for realization of secure encryption in the futureand free-space quantum optical communication enabling to choose theoptimal balance between transmission efficiency and security for various
applications. The other project involves quantum node technology andincludes more fundamental research, such as investigation of quantum
optical control techniques, quantum interfaces between photons andartificial atoms, and quantum metrology. These elements will eventually
be integrated to develop novel functionalities in future communication
network nodes. Our projects have a wide diversity, extending from newtheoretical developments and proof-of-principle experiments to fieldtrials using network testbeds. Thus, we aim to contribute to society
through both fundamental science and industrial technology.

The terahertz wave photonics project has theaim of developing key device technologies,
such as signal sources and detectors, which
are expected to be employed in 100 Gbps-classwireless communication systems and high-precision
measurement systems working in the terahertz
frequency and (sub-)millimeter wavelength regions.
In particular, we are focusing our R&D on narrow
linewidth and highly stable light sources (and on
terahertz wave generation with these devices),
Multi-GHz optical frequency comb
which can be used for both high-capacity wirelesscommunications and wideband spectrum measurement. Through our R&D activities, we hope to contribute to the realization of terahertz
technologies involved in processes such as:- Handling terahertz wave correctly (e.g. real-time processing of ultra-high-speed signals)- Controlling terahertz waves accurately (e.g. advanced modulation for high-speed/high-capacity communication)- Measuring terahertz waves precisely (e.g. high-precision broadband spectrum measurement up to the spurious band)

Quantum ICT Laboratory Macroscopic Quantum Physics ProjectGreen ICT Device Laboratory

We have discovered qualitatively new states of a superconducting
artificial atom dressed with virtual photons. We used a micro-fabricatedsuperconducting harmonic oscillator and an artificial atom (quantum bit:
qubit), which has electronic states that follow quantum mechanics like anatural atom. We carefully designed a superconducting persistent-current
qubit interacting with an LC harmonic oscillator that has a large zero-point
fluctuation current via a large shared Josephson inductance (Left). Then
we used spectroscopy (Right) to identify a new ground state like the stablemolecular state of photons and artificial atom.

Chip with fabricated Ga2O3 transistors
and diodes

Experimental setup
a.The chip mounted on a sample holderb.Laser microscope image of the circuit
comprising a superconducting
qubit and oscillatorc.A superconducting flux-qubit

3

With the aim of developing 100-Gbps wireless communication systems using
terahertz waves, the project is involved in research on electronic devices
suitable for terahertz frequencies and measurement technology to evaluate
such terahertz devices. We are focusing on the development of high electron
mobility transistors (HEMTs) composed of several semiconductor materials.
These materials include indium phosphide (InP) that shows the highest operating
frequency among recent technologies, gallium nitride (GaN) that has highresistivity to voltage, heating, and radiation, and silicon germanium (SiGe)that is easy to combine with commercial silicon technologies. We are also
exploring some new materials for future terahertz electron devices, such as
indium antimonide (InSb) and graphene among others. With regard to researchon terahertz transceivers, an early prototype of a 300-GHz 100-Gbps transmitterhas been created based on a silicon integrated circuit, and we are involved inongoing research to achieve higher performance.

With the mission of realizing an energy-efficient society and promoting widespread utilization ofenvironmentally friendly information and communication technologies (ICT), the Green ICT Device
Laboratory is pioneering research and development (R&D) that targets electronic devices with new
functionalities and unprecedented performance by exploiting material properties of novel oxide
semiconductors.We currently focus on R&D of transistors and diodes based on a new semiconductormaterial-gallium oxide (Ga2O3). With its superior material properties, Ga2O3 is expected to be used
to develop innovative power switching devices that can achieve large-scale energy savings byconsiderably reducing energy loss during power conversion. Ga2O3 can also be applied toharsh-environment signal processing and/or wireless communication devices that can operate
at extremely high temperatures and/or in high radiation settings. An industry/academia/government
consortium has been established to accelerate R&D of these promising technologies, which is
expected to culminate in the commercialization of Ga2O3 devices and the birth of a new semiconductor
industry in the near future.

Transmission spectrum
Calculated transition frequencies
are superimposed on theexperimental results.
Coupling strength values are given in the panels.

4

Kobe Frontier Research Center
Kobe Frontier Research Center
Advanced ICT Research Institute（Kobe）

DUV ICT Device Laboratory

Established in 1989 as the Kansai Branch (now Advanced ICT ResearchInstitute) of the Communications Research Laboratory (now NICT), theKobe Frontier Research Center has been newly established under the
Advanced ICT Research Institute as a unit in the field of Kobe-based
research laboratories.
Our five laboratories are engaged in research on frontier ICT technologies
and new ICT device technologies that create novel materials, structuresand functions that lead to outstanding ICT functions, and bio-ICT technologies
that elucidate and utilize biological mechanisms with a history of billionsof years.
The Kobe Frontier Research Center is creating Innovative ICT researchthat is not an extension of existing technologies.

DUV ICT Device Laboratory is conducting R&D on deep-ultraviolet ICT devices with the aim of dramatically expanding the optical wavelength
bands available for information and communications, as well as creating innovative optical ICT applications such as solar-blind opticalcommunications that goes beyond the framework of existing visible and infrared optical communication technologies. Besides, we are also
developing advanced technologies, including nanophotonic structure, semiconductor device, and practical technologies, to realize high-compact,environmental-friendly, and high-power deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs), which can be used to create a safe, secure andsustainable society. It will also play a crucial role in the social
development in the age of the New Normal with COVID-19.
We have successfully demonstrated DUV-LEDs with light output
power of over 520 mW (λ=265 nm), which has significantly
updated the world record, and are working to further improve
its performance. By taking up the challenge of breaking throughthe limitations of conventional DUV-LEDs, we anticipate thatthese advances will bring technological innovations in a wide
range of fields, from information and communications to theenvironment, health and safety, and healthcare.
The device structure of DUV-LEDs

Superconductive ICT Device Laboratory

Bio-ICT Laboratory Protein Biophysics Project

We have developed an ultrasensitive single-photon detector, a THz detector, andan integrated circuit operating at ultra-low power by using superconducting phenomena.
Our unique research approach employs a niobium-nitride (NbN) superconductor, which
has a higher superconducting transition temperature than the conventional niobium (Nb)superconductor, allowing higher operating temperatures and frequencies. Due to therequirement of cooling for operation of superconducting devices, we rarely see superconductors
used in commercial products. However, ultrasensitive, low noise detectors based on our
NbN thin films have already been employed in the ALMA radio telescope constructed in
Chile with the cooperation of Japan, the EU, and the USA, and are also used in a quantum
key distribution system that is expected to become a completely secure communication
system in the future. We will spread information about the excellent performance of our
superconducting devices and contribute to innovation by developing new applicationsof our superconducting technologies and promoting collaborative research with scientists
in various fields.

The Protein Biophysics Project is conducting research and development activities that will lead to new concepts for information and communication
technologies by learning from biological systems. Our research targets range from biomolecules up to the cellular network level. By measuring,
analyzing, and controlling a wide range of biological materials, we are trying to understand and reproduce various biological functions. Our
research activities include the following projects.

Superconducting single-photon
detector(SSPD)system

Nano-scale Functional Assembly ICT Laboratory
In information and communication networks, which are the infrastructure of industry and society, high speed and large capacity are required at
all scales from long-distance communication to short-distance optical interconnection. In order to increase the speed, it is necessary to use
terahertz waves and light waves in wireless communication and to develop high-speed optical transmission / reception technology of over 100
Gbaud. In our laboratory, we aim to enhance the functionality and integration of light control devices by combining an organic material withexcellent light control properties and nano-photonic structures using inorganic high index materials with high optical conﬁnement functions.
Also, we will research and develop basic technologies for controlling organic-inorganic interfaces and structures at the atomic and molecularlevels in order to enhance the functionality of devices and develop new functions at the material level. Organic molecules exhibit large opticalnonlinearity due to the resonance interaction between π electrons bound within a nanoscale single molecule and the electric ﬁeld of light.
Organic electro-optic (EO) polymers, which exhibit particularly large EO eﬀects, are expected as new materials that realizes high speed and low
power consumption of light control devices such as optical modulators andOrganic EO Polymer
radio-light conversion devices that are indispensable for optical communication
systems. On the other hand, silicon optical integrated circuits using mature
semiconductor microfabrication technology are being put into practical use.
Based on hybrid technology of organic EO polymer and silicon nanostructure,
we are working on development of ultra-small optical modulators withultra-high speed and low power consumption, light control devices such as
optical phased arrays that integrate them, terahertz generators / detectors, etc.
Nano-structure optional waveguide5

DUV solid-state light sources

1.Reproduction of cellular and biomolecular sensing
mechanisms: We are trying to reproduce the systemfor detecting information transmitted by chemical
substances by combining the functions of living cells
and machine learning techniques.

2.Research on biomolecular machines: We are analyzing thestructure and functions of biomolecular machines by employing
state-of-the-art technologies in order to understand how theywork. We are also trying to understand the design concepts forbiomolecular machines based on techniques for engineering
biomolecules.

3.Research project on biomolecular systems: We are
exploring the mechanisms underlying the formation ofself-organized structures and their functions based oninteractions among biomolecules.

Development of ChemicalBioSensor

Analysis and reconstitution of biomolecular machines

Self-organized biomolecular system

Bio-ICT Laboratory Cell Biology Project
We are exploring a new ICT paradigm based on the information and communicationsof living cells by carrying out investigations in the following three areas.
Development of bio-imaging technology
We are developing fluorescent microscope technology that can visualize the behaviorof target molecules in living cells at ultra-high resolution to monitor information flow inside
cells. Fluorescent microscopy is one of the most essential technologies for utilization ofcellular ICT.
Construction of intracellular structures and control of cellular function
We are developing the technology to construct artificial structures in living cells that willallow us to control cellular function. Construction of functioning artificial organelles in cells will
enable us to create various artificial cells that can act as sensors for specific substances,
perform drugs screening, and generate various useful materials.
Analysis and application of cellular information systems
The genetic information system in cells is an excellent product of biological evolution for
3.5 billion years. We are clarifying the regulatory principles and molecular mechanismsof the genetic information system in order to create new ICT based on the cellular systems.

Tetrahymena(a unicellular organismwith two kinds of nuclei)

Cultured human cell
NuclearDNA

Actinﬁlaments

Chromosomes during sexual reproduction of
Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Conventional microscopy

Super-resolution microscopy

6

Kobe Frontier Research Center

Center for Information and Neural Networks（CiNet）

Neuro-ICT Laboratory Neuro-network Evolution Project

Brain Networks and Communication Laboratory

This new project launched in April 2018, aiming to unveil hitherto unexplored neural mechanisms underlying instinctive behavior of the fruit
fly Drosophila, an outstanding model organism in genetic studies: the discovery of novel principles for controlling behavior will potentiallypave the way to the creation of a solid substrate for innovating future ICT technologies.
Organisms are robust enough to sustain life when exposed to threat of environmental stress, yet they show highly plastic and sophisticatedbehavioral acts for enjoying their life under peaceful conditions. How
does the simple nervous system of an insect manage these apparently
contradictory requirements and find a solution for adaptive behavior?
To this end, we attempt to untangle the entire neural circuit thatorchestrates courtship, a behavior which is likely to be most rewarding
for a fly, and to unravel the neuro-endocrine network that operates as
the switch for survival vs. reproduction, representing the most challenging
decision-making for a fly.
Courtship behavior was induced
in a male fly upon illuminatingneurons that had been engineered
to be light-sensitive.

Sexually dimorphic neurons in thefemale brain acquired a male-likeprocess when a male-specific protein
was artificially expressed.

Neuro-ICT Laboratory Memory Neurobiology Project
The Memory Neurobiology Project is making Collaborators to establish basic mechanisms of memory using a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
as a model animal, which allows us to perform genetic analysis at the single cell level. Although "memories" in computers are daily useddevices, memory in our brain is not well understood because nobody has witnessed plastic processes when memories are formed. Our
project involves real-time observation of memory formation on the "Feeding neuron", which commands feeding behavior of fruit flies, during
Pavlovian conditioning. Through direct
observation, we will study molecular andcellular mechanisms involved in memory
formation. Understanding mechanisms ofmemory will allow us to design devices
that mimic plasticity underlying memory
formation. By connecting such devices,
we are preparing to build circuits that may
function for artificial intelligence in a similar
way to that used in our brain.
“Feeding neuron”,which commands feeding
behavior of a fruit fly(Drosophila melanogaster)Brain Function Analysis and Imaging Laboratory
Neural Information Engineering Laboratory
The Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet) is a neuroscience technology research institute based in Suita City, Osaka, Japan,
and aims at creating new ICT that will enable ultimate communication and the fulfillment of human potential through the collaboration of threelaboratories, the Brain Networks and Communication Laboratory, the Brain Function Analysis and Imaging Laboratory, and the Neural Information
Engineering Laboratory.
For this aim, we measure brain activity during various tasks using the latest functional brain imaging technology, accumulate large-scale dataon brain activity, and analyze it using machine learning technology.
We believe that we will ultimately be able to reproduce how the brain understands, feels, judges, and acts upon a wide variety of input information
by modeling the entire brain function. By utilizing this model, we aim to realize advanced ICT technologies such as next-generation communication,
sensibility and emotion evaluation, social behavior prediction, and brain-machine interface.
The CiNet building was built in March 2013 on the Suita Campus of Osaka University, and is equipped with the latest brain function measurement
machines such as 7T-MRI. In collaboration with Osaka University and many other universities, research institutes, and companies in Japanand abroad, the CiNet offers an interdisciplinary research opportunity for neuroscience, information science, bioengineering, and robotics
and so on.

dialoguegame

3T-MRI

inhibition

purchasingtime perception

7T-MRI
motor control

calculation
association
emotionmodeling of the entire brain function（CiNet Brain）

decision-making

development of analyticaltheory and technology

social behavior

integrated model

imagination

reading comprehension

development of
measurement technology

perception of others

Dr.KARCarrangement

value judgment

logical thinking

Oﬃcial characterattention

large-scale brain activity data(brain information DB)

ethical thinking

Advanced ICT Research InstituteexplorationSNS

creative thinking“Local feedback”hypothesis: a candidate
principle of memory mechanism

learning

active, multitask model

navigation (moving)common sense

prediction

memoryaudiovisual perception

passive and single
task model

constructivist understanding of information processingin the brain personality, common sense, worldview,
and inspiration reconstruction of personality

social implementationnext generation communication
sensibility and emotional evaluationstress assessment
social behavior prediction

expert brain assessment
tacit knowledge estimation
marketinglearning and skill enhancement support

passing on the art of craftsmanshiplanguage and translation
BMI + robot technology
AI with human affinity

Miss MIKU
MEG

7CiNet building

8Fellow

Eﬀort
Collaboration with Industry and Academia
Distinguished Researcher

Kazuhiro Oiwa, Ph.D.
Dr. Kazuhiro Oiwa joined the National Institute of Information and Communications
Technology (NICT, former CRL) at Kobe, Japan in 1993, and he has achieved various
landmark results in research on the biophysics of protein motors (biomolecular machines)
using in vitro reconstitution systems and single-molecule measurements. Outstanding
among his research achievements is a model of the force generation mechanism of
the protein motor, dynein, which was proposed on the basis of biophysical and structural
studies. His model has led to various important research projects and the results
have greatly contributed to the progress of this research field. His research papers
have been cited more than 400 times in leading scientific publications. As a researchgroup leader, he has applied his knowledge and techniques to understanding the
Biography
mechanical properties of protein motors and has published more than 50 papers in
2001-2008
leading scientific journals, such as Nature and Cell. He has also applied his knowledge
Group Leader, Protein Biophysics Group, CRL,
of protein motors to the development of nanometer-scale devices and nanometer-scale
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
communications (also known as molecular communications) and to understanding
2008-2012of ensemble behavior of self-propelled particles and resultant pattern formation (tentatively
Director General, Advanced ICT Research
named natural intelligence).After serving as the Director General of the Advanced ICT
Center, NICT
Research Institute at NICT from 2008 to 2013, he is currently a Distinguished Researcher
2013-present
and Fellow of NICT. He was awarded the 23rd Osaka Science Prize in 2005 andDistinguished Researcher, NICT Fellow
Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture,2021-present
Sports, Science and Technology in 2020.
Associate Director General, Center for
Information and Neural Networks (CiNet)

The Advanced ICT Research Institute promotes research & development and social application of the findings as abase of collaboration with Industry, Academia, and Government in advanced and multidisciplinary research fields.
Joint Research
We use various schemes to conduct joint research with other organizations and promote research and development.
Cooperative Graduate School
We have entered into cooperative agreements with universities to promote research and development, personnel exchanges, student acceptance.
Human Resource Development
We cooperate with SSH designated school activities and develop human resources. In some cases, we also exchange memoranda with neighboringhigh schools.
Facility TourAs part of our outreach activities, we accept facility tours.

Contribution to the Regional Community
Research & Development Advisor of CiNet

Toshio Yanagida, Ph.D

Biography
1988-2010
Professor, Osaka University
1998-2003
Leader, "Information and Communication
Breakthrough Basic Research 21" project
2011-2022
Director General, Center for Information and
Neural Networks (CiNet), NICT
2022-present
NICT Fellow

9Prof. Toshio Yanagida has established a technique for observing, manipulating, andmeasuring the dynamic properties of protein motors at the level of single molecules withextremely high spatial resolution at the nanometer level, temporal resolution at themillisecond level, and force detection at the piconewton level. Based on this research, heestablished the "Yuragi principle," which states that biomolecules effectively utilize thermal
fluctuations for energy-saving and highly efficient energy conversion. Through molecular,
cellular, and brain function measurements, he showed that this "Yuragi principle" is uniqueto living organisms that have acquired energy-saving, flexible, and autonomous working
mechanisms at the expense of precision, and that it can be applied to all levels of biologicalactivities driven by protein molecules. In 1998, Prof. Yanagida became a leader of the"Information and Communication Breakthrough Basic Research 21" project and led theBrain Function Group of the Advanced ICT Research Institute. Since then, Prof. Yanagida
has pioneered a new research field at NICT that combines cognitive science andinformation science, and in 2011, he established the Center for Information and Neural
Network (CiNet) and became its first director. Prof. Yanagida led this research for 11 years,
bringing together talented individuals from around the world to establish a foundation for
promoting integrated research on cognitive science and information and communication
technology. Furthermore, under the slogan of "Omoroi research," Prof. Yanagida drew out
the abilities of his researchers and produced many pioneering achievements in such fields
as brain information decoding, computational social neuroscience, cognitive sensorimotor
control and learning, and perceptual information processing. As indicated by his receipt of
the Imperial Prize and the Japan Academy Prize and his election as a Person of Cultural
Merit and a member of the Japan Academy, these original research achievements andleadership have been highly acclaimed in Japan and abroad. Prof. Yanagida became a
NICT Fellow in 2022 and energetically continues his research on information processing in
the brain using "Yuragi".

NICT Open House in Kobe
Our institute holds an open house at the end of July every year. There are various
hands-on exhibits which is provided by our researchers so that it can be enjoyedfrom children to adults.
At the same time, we give a lecture for the public. The researchers explain theirlatest research results easily with familiar examples.
There are a lot of visitors every year and it is an important event to let everyone
know about our activities.

Exhibitions
We have actively participated in exhibitions as a good opportunity to introduce
the advanced studies of this institute.
At the same time, we publicize the results that can be introduced to society, suchas intellectual property and technology transfer.
The exhibitions provide an opportunity to learn about the needs of society anda good chance for basic researchers to examine the direction of their research.
・International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference
・The Kobe International Industrial Fair
・Keihanna information and communications fair・Hyogo Science Fair
10

Introduction of Related Departments
Advanced ICT Device LABO Network Research Institute
Background & Policy
Further development and increased sophistication of information and communication technology (ICT) is required to allow all people and things
to be connected to networks, to freely utilize a large amount of content, and to lead a safe life based on access to a diverse range of information,
as well as to achieve a world of abundance based on progress of sophisticated informatization. In particular, advanced and sophisticatedsystems are required to achieve such a world, and it is crucial to conduct research and development on areas that form the oundation・of
these systems, such as state-of-the-art optical device technologies, high-frequency millimeter wave and terahertz wave technologies, convergencephotonic and high-frequency technologies, and creation of new materials. Selection and concentration of topics have progressed with researchand development supported by society, particularly by industry, while funding for cutting-edge research and development of challenging devices
has decreased. This is primarily because funding of such research is usually based on a medium to long-term perspective and involves highrisk, leading to uncertainty regarding future technological development capabilities. Against such a background, the National Institute ofInformation and Communications Technology (NICT) is a research organization for information and communication technology that displays ahigh degree of neutrality and support for the public interest. NICT considers it important to improve the framework for promoting researchand development by widely promoting the newly established Advanced ICT Device Laboratory while maintaining strong collaboration withindustry and academia.
We would like the Laboratory to evolve into an open research base where members of industry, academia, and the government can collaborate
on research that advances the information and communications fields. In order to ensure that both domestic and international researchers
can fully utilize this base, we will devise ways to continually improve maintenance and operation of the facilities and equipment on a daily
basis. In order to improve access to this research and development environment, the facilities will be available to individuals outside NICT
who can conduct research at NICT primarily under a joint research framework.

Outline of the Laboratory
Teams of experienced engineers and relevant internal research groups at NICT coordinate with each other to appropriately manage thefacility so that users can enjoy a stable and safe work environment that meets standard requirements. Research and development at NICT
encompasses the entire spectrum of ICT technologies, featuring the promotion of research on fundamental device technologies with anemphasis on the development of sophisticated information and communication systems at the Advanced ICT Device Laboratory.

Quantum ICT Collaboration Center
The Quantum ICT Collaboration Center was established in April 2021 with the aim of advancing R & D in the areas of quantum security
convergence and satellite quantum communications, as well as leading the construction of a quantum technology platform that integrates
quantum computing, quantum communications and cryptography, and quantum measurement and sensing. In cooperation with related
research groups within the NICT, we will actively collaborate with other quantum innovation centers, universities, companies, and publicorganizations in Japan and overseas, and work on everything from basic research to technology verification, open innovation, and humanresource development.
In January 2020, Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Councilof Japan formulated Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy.
This strategy aims to create a quantum innovation hub in Japanthat will bring together excellent researchers and engineers fromJapan and abroad, attract active investment from companies, andbuild an organic collaboration and cooperation system between
universities and companies.
NICT has also been selected as the Quantum Security Innovation
Hub, one of the eight quantum innovation hubs in Japan. The Quantum
ICT Collaboration Center will serve as the core organization of thePromoting quantum technology platform by
hub in NICT.
Industry-academia-government collaboration

PANDA, Remote Sensing Laboratory,
Radio Propagation Research Center Radio Research Institute
The Remote Sensing Laboratory of the Radio Research Institute develops remote sensing
technologies, and promotes R&D to improve the accuracy of predicting sudden atmosphericphenomena. In 2014, the Phased Array weather radar and Doppler lidar Network DAta system(PANDA) was installed on a 20-m tower in the site of the Advanced ICT Research Institute.
PANDA has been developed to predict sudden torrential rain by using data fusion technology
with multiple remote sensing sensors.
PANDA tower and container installedat the Advanced ICT Research Institute

Processing equipments in the clean room

Photo-lithography equipments in the clean room with yellow lights

Advanced ICT Device Laboratory, Kobe Branch
Construction of the Clean Room at Kobe City, a new facility for promoting research and development that is operated as a unit of the integrated
Clean Room facility at NICT headquarters, was completed in July 2015 and full-scale operation commenced in April 2016. The facility hasclass 1000 film-forming chambers, nanofabrication chambers, and class 1000 exposure chambers. It will be used to develop next-generation
information and communication technologies, including a variety of devices required to create superconducting materials and organic nanomaterials
as well as to evaluate the characteristics of thin films and devices. More specifically, the laboratory has a load-lock type vacuum film-forming
device that is capable of fabricating devices with multiple layer structures, an atomic layer deposition device that can control film thickness
at the atomic scale, an electron beam lithography system that can draw using a minimum line width of tens of nanometers, a reactive ion
etcher that performs etching on the nanometer scale, and an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etcher. The facility also has other devices
that have been uniquely customized by researchers to perform specific functions. We aim to operate a world class facility that can be fully
utilized to develop breakthroughs in information and communication technology.

ナノ機能集積ICT研究室

Kobe substation for Japan Standard Time system, Space-Time Standards Laboratory,
Electromagnetic Standards Research Center Radio Research Institute
NICT generates national frequency standards and Japan Standard Time (JST), and also
disseminates them throughout Japan. While the ensemble of atomic clocks as a basisof the reference time scale for JST is operated exclusively at NICT headquarters in Tokyo,
we now operate the atomic clocks also in Kobe to enhance the capability, reliability anddisaster resilience of JST system. We also operate them for the study of clock ensemble
system using the clocks in Tokyo, Kobe and two radio-clock stations.

Time measurement system

Free-Space Optical Communication System, Space Communication Systems Laboratory,
Wireless Networks Research Center Network Research InstituteA small ground station was designed to perform free-space optical communications with anaircraft using near-infrared laser beams. The main part of the ground station is shown on theleft of the picture, comprising the gimbal for tracking the target and the optical equipment fortransmitting and receiving the laser beams. This system can track a mobile terminal installed
onboard an airplane or a helicopter and can perform high-speed optical communications withdata rates up to 40 Gbps.
Kobe Clean Room
11

Facilities to fabricate nano-devices in the Kobe clean room

Small Optical Ground Station
12

Location of Advanced ICT Research Institutehttps://www2.nict.go.jp/advanced̲ict/en/
Advanced ICT Research Institute（Kobe）Kobe Frontier Research Center
General Planning Office,Kobe Frontier Research Center
Superconductive ICT Device Laboratory
Nano-scale Functional Assembly ICT Laboratory
Bio-ICT Laboratory
Neuro-ICT Laboratory
DUV ICT Device Laboratory
Quantum ICT Laboratory（Kobe）
Terahertz ICT Device Laboratory（Kobe）

KOBE

588-2, Iwaoka, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
TEL：+81-78-969-2100
FAX：+81-78-969-2200

Kobe Nishi Ward Oﬃce
Iwaoka Liaison Oﬃce

Advanced ICT
Research Institute

IwaokaJunior High School
FamilyMart

Ｔhe RINKS GC

148

Ishigatani Park

Care House Keisen

Okubo IC

Daini Shinmei Road

Akashi SA

To Akashi-Nishi IC

2To Tamatsu IC

JR Sanyo line
(JR Kobe line)

JR Okubo Sta.

To Himeji

AEON Akashi

Advanced ICT Research Institute（Tokyo）Koganei Frontier Research Center
Planning Office
Quantum ICT Laboratory
Terahertz ICT Device Laboratory
Green ICT Device Laboratory

To Haijima

To Kiyose
Tamagawa Aqueduct

Kihei-bashi

Itsukaichi-kaido st.
Kokubunji Kaido st.

Tokyo Gakugei
University

4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi,Koganei,Tokyo 184-8795,Japan

133

TEL：+81-42-327-7429

Waseda Jitsugyo

JR Kokubunji Sta.

OSAKA

Sarejio-doriJosuiminamicho

15

NICT Headquarters
136

JR Chuo Line

JR Musashikosugi Sta.

To Tachikawa

To TokyoCenter for Information andAdvanced ICT Research Institute（Osaka） Neural Networks（CiNet）

Tower of the sun

Chugoku Suita IC
Chugoku Expressway
Osaka Monorail
To Chugoku Toyonaka IC

13

Osaka Monorail
Saito Line

Bampakukinenkoen Sta.
EXPOCITYay

129

Minori Bridge Minami

in Expressw

Center for Information and
Neural Networks（CiNet）

Meish

E-mail：info@cinet.jp

Osaka University
Suita Campus

To Ibaraki IC

Koen-Higashiguchi Sta.

1-4, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

Osaka University
School of medicine
Aﬃliated hospital

Handaibyoin-Mae Sta.

TOKYO

Suita Planning Office
Brain Networks and Communication Laboratory
Brain Function Analysis and Imaging Laboratory
Neural Information Engineering Laboratory

Suita JCT

Suita Main Line
Toll Gate

To Kinki Expressway
Panasonic
Stadium Suita Settsu Kita IC

14