– Fine component for all-optical-network devices in the “Beyond 5G” era –
The [Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd]NSG Group has successfully developed a new ultra-thin type of SELFOC® Micro Lens with the diameter of 125μm (0.125mm), which is as fine as optical fibers. (*1 & 2)
In the Beyond 5G era, where the number of network-connected devices as well as network traffic is expected to increase explosively, opticalization of network infrastructure is being considered a solution to address such challenges as ensuring high speed and large capacity communication and, at the same time, drastically reducing electricity consumption.
The newly developed ultra-thin SELFOC® Micro Lens, with the same diameter as that of optical fibers, will be able to make various devices that connect optical fibers and various terminals smaller, simpler and more cost competitive. By helping the realization of all- optical network, which could reduce power usage significantly as optical signal is used instead of electrical one, the Group also aims to contribute to the mitigation of climate change impacts.
SELFOC® Micro Lens, the unique cylindrical and flat-end-shaped glass lens with a gradient-index, was developed by the Group in 1968 and has been used in a wide range of applications such as coupling and collimating lens for telecommunication devices, imaging lens for various endoscopes and microscopes used in the medical, life science and industrial areas because of its easy-to-handle shape and minimal transmission loss.
While the diameter of conventional SELFOC® Micro Lens ranged from 1.0mm to 4.0mm for telecommunication devices and from 0.25mm to 2.70mm for imaging devices, the new product's diameter is much smaller at 125μm, 0.125mm, which is only a half of the thinnest of conventional lens. Being finer and having the same diameter as optical fibers, optical devices can be designed smaller and simpler with new ultra-thin SELFOC® Micro Lens. The NSG Group is now preparing for its commercial production and, going forward, plans to develop new applications in the imaging area as well.
Expecting the increasing needs for much thinner lens, the Group has struggled and developed the lens whose diameter of 125μm (0.125mm) is the half of the existing thinnest lens.
Under its Medium Term Vision, the NSG Group aims to be a global glass supplier contributing to the world with high value-added glass products and services and has identified the three areas to which it intends to contribute: "Safety & Comfort"; "Eco Society"; and "Information and Telecommunication". The Group will strive to achieve the Vision by supporting the development of information and telecommunication technology that can make people's lives more convenient and advance the society, as well as by protecting the environment.
https://www.nsg.com