Japan
- Fujitsu Ltd. has developed an all-silicon optical chip that can send and receive optical signals at a speed of 50 gigabits per second. Most optical semiconductors are now made using indium-phosphorus and other compound semiconductor materials. These chips already achieve speeds of 40-50 Gbps, but an all-silicon device is easier to integrate with arithmetic processors and memory as single-chip solutions for optical communications systems. Fujitsu's new all-silicon optical chip is 30% faster than similar chips made in the past. The company achieved this by shortening the length of the gate electrode to 45nm. Fujitsu expects the device to find use in 40 Gbps optical communications systems. The Japanese government designated seven priority areas it believes are likely to support domestic demand-led growth. The seven areas are fuel cells, robots, information appliances, software content, health and welfare equipment-related services, environmental equipment-related services and business support services. The Ministry of Technology (METI) will forge a complete strategy to implement the proposal in early May, including promoting research and development by the public and private sectors and taking necessary deregulatory measures.
