Toshiba develops first self-pulsating laser diode for DVD applications.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 1996--Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC) Monday announced that Toshiba Corp. of Japan introduced a new visible laser diode designed specifically for use with the DVD format.

The new device is the first commercialized self-pulsating laser diode that operates at a shorter wavelength, making it an ideal light source to meet the high recording density needs of DVD applications.

Designated the TOLD9450MC, the device is a self-pulsating laser diode with a short wavelength of 650 nanometers (nm). It provides stable self-pulsation operation and laser oscillation, high noise suppression, a reduced operating current and superior reliability.

Using Toshiba's Multi Quantum Well (MQW) structure and a saturable absorber layer, the TOLD9450MC provides effective self-pulsation and reduced operating current. The design allows for noise suppression, achieving a Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) of less than -130dB/Hz at room temperature. Through optimization of the layer structure, stable laser oscillation is achieved over a wide temperature range.

The small package size (5.6mm diameter) enables system designers to reduce the size of the optical pick-up head. The cathode-case type pin configuration allows a positive power supply to be used. The life expectancy of the device is approximately 5000 hours.

Product Specifications:

    Part Number                    TOLD9450MC
    Wavelength                     650 nanometers (typical)
    Optical Output Power
      (maximum rating)             5 milliwatts
    Package                        5.6mm
    Pin Configuration              Cathode-Case Type
                                   (for positive power supply)
    Operating Case
      Temperature                  -10 degrees to +60 degrees C
    Lasing Mode                    TE mode
    Relative Intensity Noise       -130dB/Hz (typical)

Pricing and Availability:

Sample pricing is $100 each and will be available in first quarter, 1996.

DVD Information:

The DVD format was developed in cooperation with Toshiba Corp., Time Warner Inc., Hitachi Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., MCA Inc., Pioneer Electronic Corp., Sony, Phillips, Victor Company of Japan (JVC) and Thomson Multimedia.

These companies, including Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Zenith Electronics Corp., have accepted the DVD format, thus further strengthening its position to become the world standard for the next-generation of storage media for entertainment and information-related products and services. A single layered, single sided DVD disc is capable of storing more than 7.5 times the data of the current Compact Disc (CD) format.

TAEC is the North American engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductors, integrated circuits and electronic components for industrial and consumer applications. The company is the recognized leader in CMOS technology and has one of the broadest IC product lines in the industry.

In addition, Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced electron tubes and solid state devices, including color picture tubes, liquid crystal displays, medical tubes, rechargeable lithium ion batteries, microwave components, laser diodes and optical transmission devices.

The company is located at 9775 Toledo Way, Irvine, Calif. 92718.

Note to Editors: Reader inquiries please publish 800/879-4963. Color slide available upon request, please call Michelle MacLean at 714/863-3226.

CONTACT: Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc.

Annette Birkett

714/455-2000 (not for reader inquiries)

800/879-4963 (for reader inquiries)

or

Shafer Public Relations

Penny Capra/Judith G. Kahn, 800/503-1177