ROHM Develops High-Power 180-mW Laser Diode as an Optimum Solution for ´32 and Faster CD-RW Drives
ROHM CO., LTD. has recently developed the RLD78PZW2, a high-power infrared laser diode intended for optical pickups in high-speed CD-RW drives, ´32 and higher. This laser diode has attained the industry s top-class maximum rating of 180 mW.
ROHM has already been marketing the high-power laser diode RLD78PZW1, whose maximum rating is 150 mW. It has gained wide acceptance due to its contribution to improved reliability of CD-RW optical pickups. With the development of the RLD78PZW2, it has strengthened the lineup of high-power infrared laser diodes for CD-RW drives. Samples of the new product RLD78PZW2 began shipping in September 2001 (sample price: 2000 yen/unit) with mass production of 0.5 million units per month expected to commence in December 2001.
The recording rate competition among CD-RW drives is continually intensifying. High-speed CD-RW drives require laser diodes that achieve a maximum output rating of 180 mW. To fill this need, it is essential to ensure stable operation and output and improve the Catastrophic Optical Damage (COD) threshold.
Under these circumstances, ROHM has optimized the low-loss waveguide and low-density active layer that it developed for the high-power 150-mW laser diode RLD78PZW1. The result is the high-power laser diode RLD78PZW2 with a 180-mW pulse output. This product is identical to ROHM s conventional products in radiation angle and output characteristics, thus necessitating minimum changes in optical pickups designed for its conventional laser diodes.
Features include: (1) Industry s top-class stability in operation and output ensures 180-mW pulses, a 20% increase from our conventional products. (2) High COD threshold: 315 mW (pulse) min. (3) Wavelength range: 779 to 789 nm (4) Starting current: 30 mA (CW) (5) Excellent heat radiation due to forged metal stem (6) Differential efficiency: 0.9 mW/mA (CW) (7) Package: f5.6 forged stem structure
ROHM intends to promote development of new laser diodes and technologies to respond to diverse needs of manufacturers of electronic products.
[Glossary] Catastrophic Optical Damage (COD) A laser diode can cause optical damage to itself due to its high optical power output. This phenomenon is known as "catastrophic optical damage." Therefore, it is desirable to allow for a substantial margin of durability in comparison with the regular optical power output.
Contact: Rohm Co., Ltd. Kyoto, Japan Tel: +81 (075) 311-2121 Fax: +81 (075)315-0172
Rohm Co., Ltd. Kyoto, JapanTel: +81 (075) 311-2121
Fax: +81 (075)315-0172
