Tosoh and Keio University launch joint research to commercialize next-gen photonic polymers

Contributing to advanced information technology and medical solutions

Tosoh Corporation has announced a joint research initiative with Keio University and its director of the Keio Photonics Research Institute (KPRI), Professor Yasuhiro Koike, aimed at advancing the practical application of innovative photonic polymers.

These polymers, used in plastic optical fibers, optical films, optical lenses, and other applications, require functional refinement to meet evolving industry demands. The collaboration aims to accelerate the social implementation of Professor Koike’s research, particularly in polymer industrialization.

Professor Koike is a globally recognized authority in photonic polymer research and for groundbreaking advancements using photonic polymer technology. His work includes the development of high-speed, graded-index (GI) plastic optical fibers; zero-birefringence polymer films and ultra-birefringent polymer films for high-resolution, large-screen displays; high-brightness, light-scattering light guides; and graded-index polymer lenses.

Notably, Koike’s 2021 error-free plastic optical fiber transmission system eliminates the need for the correction circuits used in conventional glass fibers, offering solutions to power consumption, heat generation, latency, and cost challenges. This innovation is anticipated to become a core technology for next-generation information industries.

Tosoh has long conducted research and development (R&D) on optical materials, such as optical films and lenses, and on next-generation communication materials, including plastic optical fibers. The company is leveraging the high-purity polymer synthesis technology that it has cultivated through its R&D to enhance the functionality of polymers.

Tosoh’s collaboration with Professor Koike and Keio University will see it combine its polymer synthesis and industrialization expertise with the university’s photonic polymer design and evaluation technologies. Tosoh and Keio will conduct joint market assessments to accelerate the practical application of triple-zero birefringence polymers and the next-generation optical fiber polymers under Koike’s development.

Tosoh seeks, through this initiative, to contribute to the evolution of advanced information and medical technologies.