Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has developed a new red laser diode that supports 4x recording on dual layer DVD±R media. Sized only 3.8mm, the ML129F26 diode can be used in slim-type DVD recorders for notebooks. The first samples will be available next month, and mass production is expected to start in December. According to the Japansese company OEM intergrators will have to pay 4,200 Yen (US $36.2) per sample.

Featuring an optical output power of 270mW (pulse), the ML129F26 becomes the most powerful laser for notebooks. A higher power is required for high-speed recording on two layers. As for comparison, the company's previous model could output 200mW and supported double layer DVD recording at 2x. Moreover, the new 4x laser features an operating temperature of 80 C.

The next step for Mitsubishi is the development of a new more powerful diode capable of 8x recording on DVD±R DL media. The first samples are scheduled for late 2005.

Additional information is available at http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp (Japanese).