Optical Pickup Device Coma Aberration L2 Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical pickup devices face challenges in improving playback performance, particularly in the L2 layer of triple-layer structure Blu-ray discs, due to issues with jitter and coma aberration.

Innovation Solution

The optical pickup device incorporates a semiconductor laser and an object lens with an inclined optical axis to generate coma aberration on the entrance side of pits, utilizing a diffraction element with a first diffraction grating that corrects the laser beam's intensity distribution to reduce the optical spot size, thereby enhancing playback performance in the L2 layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical axis of the object lens is aligned with the optical axis of the laser beam, then coma aberration is minimized, but playback performance in the L2 layer deteriorates due to increased jitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback performance in L2 layerVSAvoidjitter in L2 layer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent intentionally introduces coma aberration by inclining the object lens optical axis relative to the laser beam optical axis. This harmful aberration is converted into a beneficial effect that improves playback performance in the L2 layer by reducing jitter, demonstrating the principle of converting a harmful factor into a useful one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of optical axis alignment by introducing a specific inclination angle between the object lens optical axis and the laser beam optical axis. This parameter change optimizes the coma aberration to improve L2 layer playback performance while managing its impact on other layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If coma aberration is increased to improve L2 layer playback, then jitter is reduced, but performance in L0 and L1 layers may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback performance in L2 layerVSAvoidcoma aberration impact on L0 and L1 layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the optical system specifically for the L2 layer through controlled coma aberration, while using layer-specific correction strategies to maintain acceptable performance in L0 and L1 layers. The diffraction element with asymmetric grating provides localized correction tailored to different layer requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including layer-specific correction values and adjustable diffraction element configurations that adapt the coma aberration compensation based on which layer is being read, allowing optimization for L2 while preserving L0 and L1 performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a diffraction element with asymmetric grating is added to correct intensity distribution, then optical spot size is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical spot sizeVSAvoidoptical system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coma aberration compensation function with the intensity distribution correction function into a single integrated optical path design. The diffraction element with asymmetric grating simultaneously addresses both issues, reducing the need for separate correction components and minimizing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively improves playback performance in the L2 layer of triple-layer structure Blu-ray discs by optimizing the optical spot size and reducing Integrated-Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation (i-MLSE) error rates, while maintaining performance in the L0 and L1 layers.

Implementation Method 1

an object lens that concentrates the laser beam on an optical disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a diffraction element having an asymmetric grating structure with respect to an optical axis of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a diffraction element with a first diffraction grating that corrects the laser beam's intensity distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction grating: Diffraction Grating

Implementation Method 4

an optical axis of the object lens is inclined with respect to an optical axis of the laser beam that is incident on the object lens so as to generate flares caused by coma aberration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComa aberration:

Data Source

PatentEP3252773B1Optical pickup device and optical drive device
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3252773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3252773B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3252773B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical pickup device capable of improving playback performance in L2-layer at a time of playback of a triple-layer structure optical disc is provided. The optical pickup device includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam, and an object lens that concentrates the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser on the optical disc. In this optical pickup device, an optical axis of the object lens is inclined with respect to an optical axis of the laser beam that is incident on the object lens so as to generate flares caused by coma aberration on an entrance side in a forward direction of pits of the optical disc.