Merging their respective engineering strengths in laser diode technologies, Nichia and Sony have co-developed a wholly integrated, blue laser coupler for notebook computers. Mass production of the device is scheduled to commence this year. The component supports both recording and playback of Blu-ray discs. WIth a thickness of just 3mm, the device is suitable for use in in notebook computers or portable disc players.

The blue laser coupler uses a highly effective laser beam, allowing for accurate and satble read out of signals from two-layer Blu-ray media, according to Sony. In addition, the device supports the new LTH organic BD-R discs.

The coupler's focusing sensor uses the spot-size-detection (SSD) method, while the tracking error detection for BD-ROM discs is the differential-phase-detection (DPD). During recording, the component obtains tracking error signals using the single beam push-pull method.

Nichia and Sony have been working on the co-development of Blue-Violet laser diode for recording and playback on optical disc from June 2002. In April 2004, the cross license agreement in the concerned field has been successfully signed, leading to the mutual usage of the patents owned by the two companies, targeting development of blue-violet related laser diodes. At the same period, the two companies had announced their plans to supply laser couplers to the market.