Article Overview
Common hard drive laser diodes include 780 nm for CDs, 650 nm for DVDs, and 405 nm for Blu-ray drives, with specific models from manufacturers like Sony, Sharp, and Hitachi-LG.
Overview of Hard Drive Laser Diodes
Hard drives and optical drives use semiconductor laser diodes to read and write data. The wavelength determines the type of media:
- CD drives: 780 nm infrared laser diodes
- DVD drives: 650 nm red laser diodes
- Blu-ray drives: 405 nm violet/blue laser diodes These diodes are typically packaged in TO-can or SMD modules and are selected for high stability, low divergence, and precise modulation.
Common Laser Diode Models by Media Type
| Media Type | Wavelength | Example Models / Manufacturers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CD | 780 nm | Sony SLD1230V, Sharp GH0780A, Mitsubishi ML780G | Standard infrared diodes for CD-ROM and CD-RW drives |
| DVD | 650 nm | Sony SLD1335V, Sharp GH0650A, Hitachi-LG HLD650 | Red diodes for DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, and combo drives |
| Blu-ray | 405 nm | Sony SLD3230V, Sharp GH0405A, Nichia NDB4216 | Violet diodes for high-density Blu-ray reading/writing |
Key Specifications
- Output power: Typically 5–50 mW for reading, up to 100 mW for writing
- Package types: TO-18, TO-46, or surface-mount modules
- Drive current: 30–100 mA for reading, higher for writing
- Beam divergence: 5–10° typical, often collimated with integrated optics
Additional Resources
For a more extensive search of laser diodes, including datasheets and manufacturer comparisons, you can use:
- Laser Diode Selection Guide: Offers a database of diodes from multiple manufacturers ( )
- ProPhotonix Laser Diode Selector: Allows filtering by wavelength, power, and package ( )
- LASER COMPONENTS Search Engine: Provides instant overviews of compatible laser diodes and custom options ( ) These resources are useful if you need replacement diodes or custom specifications for optical drives. By referencing these models and databases, you can identify the appropriate laser diode for CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drives and obtain datasheets for technical integration or repair purposes.
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