TDK has always pushed the limits. Earlier, we heard that they are planning 960GB laptop drives and 3.2TB desktop drives. Now, they are ready to demo 320GB ten-layer platters at CEATEC 2009, based on Blu-Ray technology.
The Concept:
Key in stacking so many layers is achieved by improving the transmittance of the outermost layer. High Density BluRay doesn’t need a more powerful laser to get through, but rather demands a better topmost surface capable of transmitting approx 99% of the light through it.
With DVDs, we haven’t seen this going above dual-layer because of the higher wavelength of the Red-laser, which has been overcome with Blue Laser that powers Blu-Ray technology.
Imagine a 10 layer disc, still possible to write and read data on and from the disc by using a blue-violet semiconductor laser with an oscillation wavelength of 405nm and an objective lens with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.85.
On the outerside, there’s a cover layer, a hard coat layer which protects BluRay discs from scratches, recording layers and a Si-Cu alloy layer reside inside.
The company has tested the disc and has found it to be reliable enough for commercial use;that’s why we will see it at CEATEC trade show in Japan next week. And then we will see World’s largest Blu-Ray DVD disc, LIVE!
Soon Blu-Ray will make DVDs look ugly and sluggish, as we look at CDs today. I hope to see a BluRay in every PC in one year. What do you think ? Will Blu-Ray prevail ?