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China Develops Laser Diode for DVD Pick-ups
Chinese scientists announced Wednesday that they have developed a 650 nanometer semiconductor laser diode, one of the key components for digital versatile disk (DVD) pick-ups used in DVD players and for computer CD-ROMs.
With an estimated monthly production capacity of 100,000 units, the laser diodes can also be applied to medical apparatus, communication equipment, computers and laser phototypesetting, said Chen Lianghui, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
A group of scientists, headed by Chen, made the breakthrough after two years of efforts, with fund from China's top high-tech development plan Program 863 and CAS.
At an evaluation meeting organized by CAS, Chen told a group of experts that their products have passed testing by Japanese company Pulstec and trial use by Toshiba and Hitachi.
Tests show the new product is on par with the advanced level of similar overseas products, represented by Toshiba TOLD 9441, he said.
Li Yuzhang, a CAS researcher, said the market potential for the technology is huge both at home and abroad.
"The demand for DVD players around the world is expected to reach 120 million, including 10 million from China, and 80 million DVD players will be used for personal computers," said Li.
Li, also executive deputy director of the National Engineering Research Center for Optoelectronics Devices, said researchers are planning to commercialize the technology by setting up a joint venture with domestic companies for an annual capacity of 15 million.
Last year, China incorporated DVD pick-ups into its catalogue of priority products and technology.
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