Abstract:
An optical information-bearing-signal recorder employs thermally-induced recording of ablative, material movement, material phase change, magneto-optic or similar technologies. Synchronous noise in the recording is reduced by employing a heat-inducing energy pulse (25), coherent light for example, shaped to have an initial recording-initiating intensity amplitude (44, 44A) followed by a recording-sustaining amplitude (55, 55A). The duration of the recording-initiating amplitude portion is constant for all lengths of signals being recorded. When a rotating optical disk is employed as a record-bearing medium, the recording-initiating and recording-sustaining amplitudes are increased with increasing radius of the recording on the disk.
Abstract:
Recording operations for an optical disk recorder are calibrated by adjusting recording power level (light intensity) such that a permissible crosstalk can be detected in adjacent erased tracks. Following the power level calibration, pulse duration or width is calibrated for a predetermined symmetry of recorded pulses along the calibration track. Various sequences and procedures are described. Calibration occurs at a plurality of radially spaced-apart tracks.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for calibrating the drive current circuit of a semiconductor laser diode subject to reflected optical feedback from a target surface such an an optical recording disk. The method makes use of two power output vs. drive current characteristic curves for the laser, one curve 190 for in-focus condition and the other curve 191 for out-of-focus condition, wherein the curves exhibit an asymptotic region at high power level (P2). Measurement of drive current I2 at power level P2 is taken under an out-of-focus condition. Measurement of drive current I1 and I3 at a predetermined low power level P1 are taken for both out-of-focus condition and in-focus condition. The linear slope of the in-focus curve 190 can thus be calculated to set desired power levels.
Abstract:
A focus acquire circuit for use in optical systems, such as optical data recorders and players, uses up to three parameter signals to indicate an in-focus condition. The zero crossing of a focus error signal is combined with a signal indicating that the focus error signal has approached a peak value and with a signal indicating a change in laser drive signal amplitude to indicate an in-focus condition. Various circuit details are illustrated showing how the three parameters can be combined together for indicating an in-focus condition.
Abstract:
A focus acquire circuit for use in optical systems, such as optical data recorders and players, uses up to three parameter signals to indicate an in-focus condition. The zero crossing of a focus error signal is combined with a signal indicating that the focus error signal has approached a peak value and with a signal indicating a change in laser drive signal amplitude to indicate an in-focus condition. Various circuit details are illustrated showing how the three parameters can be combined together for indicating an in-focus condition.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatus for detecting a digital data signal in the readback signal from a data recording system comprising means for receiving a readback signal (18) containing digital data signals, means for detecting transitions of the readback signal relative to the DC baseline of the readback signal, and means for utilising the transitions to generate the digital data signals (32). According to the invention the apparatus is characterised in it comprises threshold level generating means dependant on selected parameters of the readback signal for generating a varying threshold level (42) which defines the DC baseline.