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Research paper : A challenge to the low-cost production of highly functional optical elements (J. Nishii)−30−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.1 No.1 (2008) Participated in project of Japan Key Technology Center, and obtained doctorate in engineering in 1990 by writing dissertation on work conducted during the stay. In 1993, joined Osaka National Industrial Research Institute, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, and became Chief of Glass Structure Research in 1999. From 2002, Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University. Project Leader of Next-Generation Light Wave Control Material and Element Creation Technology, NEDO from 2006. Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University in 2007.Discussion with reviewers1 Development of technology integrationComment and Question (Naoto Kobayashi)This research paper integrates “mold technology” and “nano-imprinting technology” for a breakthrough that allows practical application of high-performance optical element unavailable before, and in that sense it is extremely valuable. The realization of such integration represents true nature of Type 2 Basic Research.Please comment on how we should think in terms of developing research and technology in combining technology where integration was considered impossible, as in this study, to use the experience of creating technology that never existed before, and to realize new values.Answer (Junji Nishii)It is clear that the reasons why “resonance and sub-wavelength element”, which was actively pursued as academic disciplines, failed to become major industry because of “scale of manufacture” and “cost”. I started working on this research thinking that the scenario for how to solve this matter was important. Here, I think it was important to consider the role of AIST that declares “Full Research” as its mission. I believe the research result should be directly reflected in people’s lives or indirectly reflected in products of private companies. However, what is important here is the selection of subject for Full Research and the scenario beyond, and I think it’s whether the research is in synch with policy set by government or whether the research can set the direction government should take. Subject selection for Full Research should not be by inspiration, on whim, or delusion, but it should be determined by whether it matches policy and demand.As with other technologies, I think research and development for energy conservation is necessary in future optics technology. The case study discussed here should serve as foundation for “efficient use of light” in many optical devices.2 Beginning of resonance and sub-wavelength optics researchQuestion (Naoto Kobayashi)You mentioned that the research in the field called “resonance and sub-wavelength”, which is the central issue of new technology described herein, started around 1990, but why was it started then (or in other words, why didn’t it come to attention until then)?Answer (Junji Nishii)Researchers of interference, polarization, and diffraction of light were certainly aware of the importance of optical elements in the region of “resonance and sub-wavelength”. However, no method for designing or manufacturing such elements existed, so it could not be tackled as research subject until the latter half of 1900s. Advances in computer simulation and microfabrication technology triggered the research. In the same way, there is potential for new technology to emerge depending on what comes out of the semiconductor technology.3 Technological points in integrationQuestion (Akira Ono)In this research, you succeeded in the manufacture of structural birefringence wave plate and sub-wavelength antireflection structure using glass imprinting method. I understand that the factor of success was to realize the integration of three intermediate technologies including “precision mold”, “demolding”, and “microfabrication” by integrating the elemental technologies as shown in Figure 3. Please explain, as much as you are allowed, the methods of integration that were critical in obtaining the result.Answer (Junji Nishii)As mentioned in the latter part of Section 3 and the first part of Section 4, it was important to accurately extract research subjects for multiple elemental technologies necessary to achieve the goal, and to clarify the scenario for their integration. Although this was an ordinary process, I discussed again and again with researchers of universities, AIST, and companies that wished to use the research result in future products. As a result, I obtained agreement that the central lab method was preferable to maximize a limited research budget. However, “precision mold” and “demolding” technologies were corporate knowledge, and AIST and the universities decided not to step into those fields deeply, and decided to carefully and strategically support the companies. However, since this was a joint research conducted in the same place, we did share findings that we didn’t know before. Please note that any more disclosure of information is not allowed at this point, but I am aware that public funds were invested, so things that could not be patented will be shared in the form of know-how recipe under the strict management.

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