Apparently this makes portable Blu-Ray players and notebook Blu-Ray drives possible, so here it is.

Japan Victor Corporation announced o­n the 13th that they have developed the world's first NA (Numerical Aperture) 0.95 simple ball-type lens. By applying this technology to the lenses for Blu-Ray discs and such, this development can also be tied to the development of Blu-Ray/DVD/CD pickups, and mobile devices using Blu-Ray.

This ultra-small lens is the result of combining shape precision accuracy under 0.1 nanometers, as well as pinpoint development technology, which allows a Numerical Aperture of 0.95 while still having a 2.1mm diameter and 1.2mm thickness. JVC already has a simple lens with a diameter of 4.1mm and thickness of 3mm - that makes this o­ne have 1/10th the volume. Futhermore, as the theoretical limit of NA in an atmosphere is 1, NA0.95 "approaches the limits materialization."

This will allow surface spots to be about 25% smaller than NA0.85 lenses, meaning that a recording density of more than 40GB should theoretically be possible o­n a single-layered, single sided disc. Also, thanks to light collection functions that will help retain the focal length between the lens and focus, the interchangeability of discs has also been secured.

When the high precision lens manufacturing technology developed for this NA0.95 is applied to the manufacture of Blu-Ray disc lenses, this will increase yeiled, and help bring costs down. When compared to existing ball-type lenses used for current Blu-Ray discs, using the high-inclination surface technology, this is also said to make it possible to manufacture NA0.85 lenses that support Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD discs.

Also, these developments apply in another field - the ultra-small lens creation technology can also be used for small sized moving lenses for Blu-Ray discs. NA0.95 technology would sufficiently retain the space between the lens and disc, reducing the risk of the lens and disc touching because of some shock, meaning "this also makes the development of portable Blu-Ray players, Blu-Ray drives for notebooks, and other mobile devices possible." (JVC)



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20041013/victor.htm

Press Release:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2004/na095_lens.html