The 21st century is sometimes noted as the "Age of Light" and indeed, optical technology has been adopted into our daily lives, with fiber optics-based broadband, LCD TVs, optical disks, illuminations, laser therapy, solar cells and more. In fact, optics contributes greatly to making our lifestyles more convenient and comfortable. OMRON's Microphotonics is a key driving force for the steady advancement of this optical technology. Microphotonics is a light-wave control technology designed to maximize the potential qualities of light such as brightness, speed and energy. OMRON combines Microphotonics with its proprietary micro-nano processing technology such as MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems), to create a diversity of highly miniaturized optical devices. With these innovative products, OMRON aims to become the next-generation leader worldwide in the highly promising fields of optical communications and optical displays.

In recent years, the field of optics has radically transformed and enhanced our lifestyles, with LCDs replacing CRTs in television sets; LEDs replacing fluorescent tubes for lighting; and solar cells replacing turbines as new energy sources. OMRON's optical devices are at work in our everyday surroundings. By drawing on its proprietary Microphotonics Technology, OMRON strives to improve functionality and achieve greater miniaturization of devices by fabricating various optical component functions on a single substrate as with IC and LSIs. For example, assembling millions of micron-size lenses can produce amazingly brighter and easier-to-see LCDs for PCs and mobile tools. By using millions of prisms, LED backlight units used for mobile phone displays can deliver much clearer and sharper text and images, while consuming less power. If more and more key devices essential for the broadband age are produced, it will become possible to accelerate the deployment of broadband networks in cities and general households-at literally the speed of light!

Light has a mysterious power, especially as we step into the nano world. For instance, at the nano-level, it will become possible to extract essential information from the human body, such as DNA and proteins. Nano-scale optics will also make optical communications more practical and efficient. Because of its tremendous potential, OMRON's Microphotonics technology is rated highly both in and outside Japan. As a result of this reputation, OMRON has received invitations from international academic societies and is taking part in national research initiatives. By advancing from micro- to nano-level technology, OMRON seeks to connect and expand optics-based networks toward the goal of realizing the truly ubiquitous network society. By doing so, OMRON aims to greatly extend the potential uses of light for next-generation biotechnology and energy fields.