HOME > Technology Development > Material Design: Development and Application of Technology
- Material Design
- Technology Bases
- Material design
- Development and Application of Technology
- Displays
- Optical communication and photo electronics
- Applied thin-film products
- Process Technology
- Technology Bases
- Development and Application of Technology
- Environmental Measures
- Material Design
- Process Technology
- Create a New Era, Open up the Future
- Ultra-thin sheet glass
- Glass-ceramics
- University-industry collaboration with the University of Shiga Prefecture
- Technological development for the future
Development and Application of Technology
Displays
Flat panel displays (FPDs) continue to increase in quantity and panel size. Advances are being made with non-alkali glass for LCD panels and high-strain-point glass for plasma display panels, both of which are used in continuously evolving FPD televisions. The future will bring demands for flexible glass that is as thin as a sheet of paper and can be bent without breaking, as well as tough glass that will not break easily even when dropped. We will continue the development of varying compositions in our pursuit of ideal forms of glass.
Optical communication and photo electronics
Optical communication is used to transmit large volumes of data, such as for photographs and movies, at high speeds. It has already become a familiar technology in our everyday lives. NEG has supplied a great variety of optical components such as glass-ceramic ferrules for optical fiber connections, by developing new glass compositions, and new precision forming technology dedicated to a range of objectives.
Going forward, our plans call for the development of glass with a high refractive index and low dispersion, in addition to high dielectric-constant, low-loss glass materials. This will allow us to supply the components required by next-generation networks (NGNs) that merge communication and broadcasting, as well as those used for high-capacity wireless communication systems. Along with the advancement of precision processing technology that takes us from the micro- to the nano-level, we are continuing to create new functions based on the development of compound technology—not only for glass compositions, but also the composite technology for use of glass with metals, resins, and ceramics.
Applied thin-film products
New functions can be imparted to glass when a thin film of metal or a compound is applied to its surface. For example, adding ITO film enables conductivity, while an anti-reflective coating allows high transmittance. Optical device components are also available that cut only ultra-violet or infrared rays. The hybridization of glass with thin films has enabled glass to make the most of its diverse possibilities. In addition to the challenges we have faced to date in the photoelectronics, optical communication, and imaging fields, new frontiers will include applied thin-film offerings for consumer products such as building materials and the top plates used in electromagnetic cooking appliances. The energy and biotechnology fields are also full of potential.