Sony to commence violet laser production
Sony also plans to bring to market high-capacity optical disc playback and recording devices that incorporate the new laser.
The GaN on sapphire laser produces a beam with an aspect ratio (the ratio of beam height to beam width) of 2.3. This makes Sony s laser more efficient than competing devices with aspect ratios of around 3.0, since a lower aspect ratio means the beam output is closer to being circular.
Sony Shiroishi Semiconductor, a Sony subsidiary, will handle production of the new lasers. A new facility is being constructed in Migayi prefecture, which should be completed in the summer of 2003 and which will also manufacture red DVD lasers.
Sony joins two other Japanese companies, Sanyo Electric and Sharp, that plan to challenge Nichia s monopoly of the blue laser diode market. Sanyo intends to start production of the devices in April 2003, while Sharp will also enter the market later in the year.
