Pentax 2009 Annual Report Download - page 18

Fiscal 2009 Business Overview and Results
In the Photonics Division, Hoya applies its own optical technologies
to manufacture and develop such products as laser oscillators and
UV light source devices. Principal products include the defect cor-
rection equipment and laser oscillators for precision processing,
which are used to assist analysis aid processing during semiconduc-
tor and flat-panel display (FPD) manufacturing process, as well as
UV light source devices used in the UV resin bonding of such opti-
cal parts as optical pickups and camera modules. The Company
also provides color filters that are used in various optical equip-
ment, as well as specialty glasses for industrial and other applica-
tions. During the fiscal year under review, Hoya transferred its
polarized glass products business from the R&D Center to the
division to begin full-fledged commercialization of these products.
In the first half, demand for laser oscillators expanded on the
strength of robust capital investments by LCD panel manufacturers.
Entering the second half, however, capital investments by customers
declined under the impact of the economic slowdown following the
Lehman Brothers shock, causing a sharp drop in Hoya’s orders. UV
light source devices are used in bonding processes for a variety of
electronic and optical components, such as optical communications
components, semiconductor wafers, LCD panels, and optical disks.
Since the UV light source market saw overall cutbacks in capital
expenditures by the manufacturing industry throughout the year,
business conditions were arduous in the fiscal year under review. On
the other hand, specialty glasses continue to be highly evaluated by
domestic customers as high quality products with superior fabrica-
tion precision and sales were also firm overseas. Overall, specialty
glass supported the division’s performance during the fiscal year
under review. In the newly transferred polarized glass business, work
on developing new customers progressed. This business is expected
to grow along with capital investments in infrastructure overseas and
the growing popularity of fiber to the home (FFTH) in the optical
communications field.
Future Strategies
Under the impact of the down turn in the global economy, the
division’s core customers—semiconductor, LCD, and optical device
manufacturers—are curtailing capital investment. Clearly, there will
be hardships again in the current fiscal year. In response, the divi-
sion will endeavor to increase business efficiency through structural
reform and revision of its organization and systems. At the same
time, it will continue to meet the needs of its customers by making
maximum use of its proprietary technology in supplying a broad
product lineup offering even higher functionality and ease of use.
UV-LED spot light source
(EXECURE-H-1VC)
In assembling tiny elements of
electronic and optical devices,
it is typical to use UV light from
a mercury lamp for setting. In
recent years, however, there has
been progress toward practical
application of ultraviolet LEDs.
Hoya’s UV-LED spot light source
is one such unique product,
developed with technologies
accumulated through the
Company’s experience in fiber
optics.
Polarized glass (CUPO)
This polarized glass material is
used in optical isolators for
optical communications.
Demand is expected to grow as
optical communications net-
works reach global scales.
Photonics Division
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
16 HOYA Annual Report 2009