#Japan #Tokyo #Silicon Photonics #Lidar #SiPhON

Upcoming Webinar on Optical Technologies for Autonomous Driving

On June 27, 2025, an insightful webinar titled "Next-Generation Vehicle Optical Network (SiPhON) and Sensing Technologies for Autonomous Driving" will take place. This event is set to explore the pivotal role light communication and sensing technologies play in the future of autonomous vehicles. In collaboration with esteemed institutions such as Keio University, the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and Furukawa Electric Co., the seminar will showcase advanced technologies capable of a remarkable transmission rate of 100Gb/s, namely the SiPhON system.

Focus Areas of the Webinar

The session promises to delve into technically intricate details about the following topics:

1. High-Speed In-Vehicle Optical Networks: SiPhON

The first presentation, from Hiroyuki Tsuda of Keio University, will highlight the necessity of high-capacity and low-latency in-vehicle networks to accommodate the increased number of electronic devices like cameras and sensors required for advanced autonomous driving. The talk will discuss the standardization trends in vehicle optical networks and present the developed communication method (SiPhON) that operates at a capacity of 100Gb/s. A unique aspect of SiPhON is its configuration, where only the master device, which performs core functions, houses semiconductor lasers, ensuring a reliable system. The interconnection to gateway devices is achieved using silicon photonics technology combined with quarts single-mode optical fiber to maintain low loss.

2. Thick-Film Silicon Photonics for Low-Loss Optical Transceivers

Takuo Tanemura from the University of Tokyo will provide insights into how thick-film silicon photonics can help mitigate significant propagation losses often encountered with traditional silicon photonics. The innovative thick silicon layers enable ultra-low loss optical circuits ideal for in-vehicle networks. This segment will focus on ongoing efforts towards developing high-speed optical modulators and polarization control devices using this technology.

3. Silicon Photonics and FMCW LiDAR

Naoto Uemura from SteraVision will address the rising interest in LiDAR systems for autonomous driving applications, emphasizing the advantages of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR over Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems. The discussion will cover why FMCW LiDAR, which does not require high power pulses and can measure speed via Doppler shift efficiently, holds promise for future innovations in light-based sense. Furthermore, the compatibility of these systems with silicon photonics will be elaborated.

4. Advanced Driving Environment Recognition Technologies

The final segment will feature Toshihiko Akita from the Electromobility System Professional University. He will shed light on the critical role of AI-driven technologies in understanding complex driving environments—a requirement for fully autonomous systems. This presentation will offer comparative insights about different sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and millimeter-wave radars, focusing on techniques used in Tesla's surround-view camera technology and object recognition through AI methods.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: June 27, 2025, from 13:30 to 17:20 (doors open at 13:15)
• - Format: Zoom Webinar, including 5-minute Q&A sessions with each presentation.

Registration Fees

Participation in this comprehensive seminar comes at a fee of 33,000 yen (tax included), which covers presentation materials. Additionally, companies registering multiple attendees can enjoy reduced fees for subsequent participants at 16,500 yen each.

Additional Information

For more details and registration, visit the official seminar page. The deadline for registration and payment is June 25, 2025.
For inquiries regarding seminar content, please contact Sugishima from Optronics Co. For payment-related questions, reach out to Mitsuoka or Ito.
Phone: (03) 3269-3550
Email: [email protected]