Eindhoven, 15.03.2005 – SINGULUS MASTERING has recently developed a standalone Laser Beam Recorder (LBR) for the mastering of third generation optical disc formats HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc: the 266 LBR. The experience gained from the experimental Deep UV LBR, as introduced already in 1999, combined with that of the CD and DVD mastering systems like the AM-Master and the DMS Evolution, has lead to the development of this stand-alone LBR.
The new 266 LBR is capable of handling glass ranging in size from 180 to 240 mm. By using a Solid State Laser with a wavelength of 266 nm, the system can record the required structures as small as 150 nm in length. An external beam stabilizing design, since many years applied in the SINGULUS MASTERING Dual Beam LBRs, eliminates any disturbances that might be present in the beam. Separate detectors and optics make the beam stabilizing circuit independent of the intensity settings used for the recording.
An optional deflection assembly creates the possibility to wobble the recording beam, making the machine also suitable for the mastering of rewritable HD DVD and Blu-ray discs.
A separate laser is used for the focus, operating at a wavelength for which the photoresist is not sensitive. A fixed focus compensation for Red is mounted on the objective motor assembly. This special set-up guarantees that the recording laser leaves no unwanted traces on the substrate, and no complicated recording/focus intensity control is required.
By choosing state-of-the-art components, optimizing of the optical components and removing features not needed for HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc, such as dual wobble, SINGULUS MASTERING has reduced the weight of the optical plateau assembly by 50 % in comparison to the Deep UV Laser Beam Recorder.
With its new system, SINGULUS MASTERING expects to set a new standard for the new high density formats by delivering a high-accuracy mastering machine, developed to be used in a production environment.
About SINGULUS MASTERING
SINGULUS MASTERING BV was effectively formed on January 1, 2004 through the merger of the top two players in the Optical Disc Mastering industry, SINGULUS OMP and ODME BV. The new company with more than 100 employees is the world market leader in mastering systems with a comprehensive and technologically leading portfolio for all existing optical disc formats such as CD and DVD. The joint company SINGULUS MASTERING BV now incorporates unprecedented combined experience with well over 400 installed mastering systems and an unparalleled product range.
SINGULUS MASTERING BV is part of the SINGULUS group, the leading supplier in optical disc replication equipment.