Sharp Corp. has developed "GH04020A2GE," a blue violet semiconductor laser diode for use in Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD players and will start sample shipment in November 1, 2006.

The maximum optical output is 20 mW. When the optical output is set to 10 mW at room temperature, the product ensures the power consumption and life of 168 mW and 10,000 hours, respectively. Sharp says that it has applied its compound semiconductor crystal growth technology that was achieved based on accumulated experience in the development of infrared and red semiconductor laser diodes to the latest product. As a result, the company has achieved what it claims to be the industry's smallest power consumption and the longest life at the same time. Sample price is ?10,000 per piece. The monthly output target is 150,000 pieces.

When a 10 mW blue violet laser light is continuously oscillated, the average center wavelength and the operating current of the laser diode are 406 nm and 35 mW, respectively. When a 5 mW blue violet laser light is continuously oscillated, the beam divergence angle in the horizontal and vertical directions are 9.5 and 20 degrees, respectively. The threshold current is 25 mA.