Sony and Nichia Co-Develop Components for Smaller Blu-ray Devices

Sony and Nichia have successfully co-developed a wholly integrated dual wavelength laser coupler compatible with BD/DVD, which they plan to supply to other companies. In conventional BD/DVD laser optical disc systems, the laser diode and optical receiver parts corresponding to each wavelength were independent of each other.

By introducing the newly developed dual wavelength laser coupler, the two functions can be incorporated in a single integrated component, realizing a simplified system, smaller size and enhanced reliability of the device. This will enable the development of smaller drives, thus leading to new applications such as portable devices and drives for notebooks. Mass production of these laser coupling devices is scheduled for the end of 2005.