The two major systems that support information and communication networks are wired "optical communications" that use optical fibers and “wireless communications” that use radio waves. The Sumitomo Electric Group is developing compound semiconductor devices and related products for both optical and wireless markets.

Compound semiconductors are devices widely used in various fields where silicon semiconductors fall short, and Sumitomo Electric has developed various materials as a pioneer in this field. There are few manufacturers in the world that manufacture compound semiconductor materials for both optical and wireless communications, which represents a significant advantage for the Sumitomo Electric Group.

The Transmission Devices Laboratory, of which I am General Manager, conducts research and development to further enhance this strength. We develop compound semiconductor devices used in state-of-the-art optical and wireless communications, as well as the materials that support these devices. Additionally, we promote the development of device technologies for non-telecommunications markets.

The mission of the Transmission Devices Laboratory is "Connecting people, life, and the Earth with compound semiconductor materials and devices.” As a research and development group that contributes to business development and the creation of new businesses, we are particularly conscious of the need to continually aim to be the world's leading player. We focus on improving our research capabilities to excel in global competition.

As demand for ultra-high-speed devices for data centers for generative AI grows, our Group is responding to this need. In the future, data centers will transform into massive computers for AI, ushering in an era of convergence between communications and computing. We are now working on research and development to develop technologies for this era and determine when to introduce them to the world, especially focusing on low power consumption, which is a social issue.

Looking further ahead, we are also taking on the challenge of creating new value through fusion with other technologies that are not limited to compound semiconductors. One of the areas we are focusing on is "photonics-electronics convergence," which fuses circuits that handle electrical signals and circuits that handle optical signals. As the speedup of optical devices, which have supported faster networks, approaches its physical limit, we are breaking through the limits by combining silicon, which is good at integration but does not emit light, and a compound semiconductor which can emit light to create new functions and value.

In pursuit of the practical application of photonics-electronics convergence, we are conducting research in collaboration not only with the Transmission Devices Laboratory but also with the Optical Communications Laboratory and the Information Network R&D Center of the Sumitomo Electric Group. What I have come to realize in this process is the strength of the Sumitomo Electric Group, which possesses almost all materials and technologies related to photonics-electronics convergence. It is rare in the world for a company to possess everything from glass to compound semiconductors and software technology. The broad portfolio of the Sumitomo Electric Group is also a strength in technological development.

Furthermore, companies that develop both optical and electronic devices are very rare in the world, with the exception of the Sumitomo Electric Group. This is a valuable asset that we have gained through the integration of Fujitsu and Sumitomo Electric,* and while integration of two companies is often difficult, in our case it has progressed very well and has borne fruit as a business.

Why is this possible? I believe it is because of the Sumitomo Electric Group's portfolio. With a broad portfolio perspective, we can flexibly accept other technologies, link them together, and push them out into society. By deepening this competitive edge, the Sumitomo Electric Group has the potential to become a unique entity. I believe this sentiment is shared by many of our employees as well.

*Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc., which is responsible for the development and manufacturing of optical and electronic devices, was established in 2009 through the business integration of Eudyna Devices, Inc., a 50/50 joint venture between Fujitsu and Sumitomo Electric, and the integration of additional operations from Sumitomo Electric.

I completed my master’s degree in 1990 and worked at Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. until 2003. After that, I worked for seven years at Eudyna Devices Inc. (currently Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.), a joint venture between Fujitsu and Sumitomo Electric, and after being seconded to Sumitomo Electric, I transferred to the company in 2022.

As a semiconductor researcher with a long career, one of my most memorable experiences was during my early thirties when I immersed myself in a wide range of research, from basic research to practical application, as an expert in semiconductor lasers. As a sort of reward for my efforts, my paper was accepted for presentation at the highest-level international conference on semiconductor lasers held in Israel in 1996. It was a great joy to present at a conference where leading researchers gathered.

This achievement also led to a keynote presentation at an international conference on compound semiconductors in 2016. Being selected as a speaker was a tremendous honor, and it held significance not only for me as an individual but also in showcasing the presence of the Sumitomo Electric Group in society. Today, I continue to maintain contact with people outside the company by attending conferences and strive to integrate knowledge and foster the next generation.

In the more than 30 years of involvement in the development of diverse technologies and products, there have been a number of failures, and some products remained relatively unknown for more than a decade before finally being released to the public. That is why I tell the employees in the laboratory, "Let's do more research.”

In a competitive environment of uncertainty, even if there are 10 technological approaches that might be relevant in 10 years, they could not all be studied with the same resources. However, around three approaches may be feasible to pursue simultaneously. If so, how quickly can we determine that the remaining seven cannot succeed and prove that they are infeasible technologies? If we can identify early that a technology is not viable, we can conduct highly efficient research. I always say in the laboratory, "Failure is also an important asset, and can lead to success in some cases.”

Although I have not consciously tried to show a smile, people around me seem to have a strong impression of my smile. Certainly, smiling enhances the quality of communication and provides others with a sense of security. As a result, I feel that this leads to a more open atmosphere in the workplace.
What I try to do these days is take the initiative to approach others. The door to the room is open, but when I think of something, I visit my younger colleagues and ask them, "Could you help me with this?” It doesn't matter what position you are in to exchange technical discussions. In fact, it is the younger members of the laboratory who have the most advanced information. It is only through equal discussions that the competitiveness of R&D is enhanced.

Hajime Shoji

2009
Joined Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc., seconded to the Transmission Devices Laboratory
Director, Next Generation Process Research Department

2011
Director, Highly Integrated Process Research Department

2019
General Manager, Optical Devices Department

2021
General Manager, Transmission Devices Laboratory

2023
Executive Officer