Abstract: Techniques for producing optical medium that can be read at substantially high speeds with greater stability and accuracy are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a molding station includes an optimized stampler which does not have an exact inverse image of a replica. To account for an inherent distortion in a substrate after being stamped, a stampler is pre-distorted so that the pit geometry in the stamped substrate becomes nearly perfect after the inherent distortion. In one embodiment, the injection of a molten material, the mold position and compression are respectively controlled to account for possible non-uniform density distribution of the material. To provide an effective bonding process, a bonding station is employed with what is referred to as index bonding technique and/or pulse bonding technique. The index bonding is provided to ensure that non-flatness of substrates is compensated when two substrates are bonded together so as to minimize possible dynamic imbalance of a disc.

Abstract: Improved structures of optical medium are disclosed. According to one embodiment, multiple reflective layers are used. These reflective layers are in different materials. At least one of the reflective layers allowing a significant amount of a laser beam to transmit is used to protect another reflective layer with superior reflectivity from moisture on one side. An additional reflective layer may also be used to protect the high reflective layer from moisture on the other side.

Abstract: Techniques for bonding two disks with a minimized eccentricity (ECC) are disclosed. A positioning header includes an ECC controlling structure that further includes a positioning header. In one embodiment, the position header includes three members that form a round stand with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the disks. The round stand expands to the inner diameter of the disks to close the gap as a result of the difference between the two diameters when the three members are caused to expand. In one embodiment, the movement of the three members is controlled by magnetic means. Depending on the positions of the ECC controlling structure, the three members are expanded from or restored to their default positions.

Abstract: Sandwiched structures for an optical disc, especially for Blu-ray discs, are disclosed. According to one exemplary structure, a substrate is sandwiched by two cover layers on both sides of a disc As a result, similar characteristics in material on both sides of the disc help sustain the shape and flatness of the disc. To provide the cover layers in uniform thickness, techniques for creating or producing such a cover layer are described. In one embodiment, a certain amount of the material in liquid form is dispensed onto a dispensing structure. After the dispensing structure is engaged to hold a disc, the dispensing structure and the disc as a whole unit is rotated at a predefined speed.

Abstract: Techniques for bonding substrates are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, an index bonding is provided to ensure that non-flatness of substrates is compensated when two substrates are bonded together so as to minimize possible dynamic imbalance of a disc. According to another aspect of the techniques, a dynamic alternating electric field bonding is provided to eliminate bubbles from a type of glue used to bond two substrates, wherein a power source is used to generate a dynamic alternating electromagnetic field in accordance with the substrates and/or the characteristics of the glue.

Abstract: Techniques for producing optical medium that can be read at substantially high speeds with greater stability and accuracy are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a bonding station is employed with what is referred to as a bubble-free bonding technique that may or may not be incorporated with an index bonding technique. The index bonding is provided to ensure that non-flatness of substrates is compensated when two substrates are bonded together so as to minimize possible dynamic imbalance of a disc. The bubble-free bonding technique is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field that eliminates bubbles from a type of glue used to bond two substrates, wherein a high voltage source is used to generate the alternating electromagnetic field of a predefine magnitude.

Abstract: Techniques for a cover layer with uniform thickness are disclosed. The cover layer is formed with a type of material, such as glue, in hardened form. In one embodiment, a certain amount of the material in liquid form is dispensed onto a dispensing structure. After the dispensing structure is engaged to hold a disc, the dispensing structure and the disc as a whole unit is rotated at a predefined speed. While the dispensed material on the dispensing structure is being dispersed evenly onto the surface of the disc as result of the centrifugal force, a heater is employed to retain or control the temperature of the dispensed material so that the flow of the dispensed material outwards can be effectively controlled to form a cover layer of uniform thickness on the disc.

Abstract: Adjustable cooling machinery for optical disc manufacturing is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, the adjustable cooling machine can be easily configured to allow two different diameters (e.g., 120 mm and 80 mm) of optical discs to be cooled in an optical disc manufacturing production facility. Specifically, the adjustable cooling machine can be adjusted from a first to a second configuration by changing few screws or locknuts and a connecting belt. According to one aspect of the present invention, the adjustable cooling machine comprises three identical spiral grooved shafts supported at either end by a pair of support structures via respective pairs of adjustable bearings. Each of the support structures is connected to a base plate via a pair of fasteners.

Abstract: Techniques for a cover layer with uniform thickness are disclosed. The cover layer is formed with a type of material, such as glue, in hardened form. In one embodiment, a certain amount of the material in liquid form is dispensed onto a dispensing structure. After the dispensing structure is engaged to hold a disc, the dispensing structure and the disc as a whole unit to be rotated at a predefined speed. The dispensed material on the dispensing structure is dispersed evenly onto the surface of the disc as result of the centrifugal force. A curing process (e.g., using UV lighting) is then engaged to harden the material near the edge of the disc to prevent the dispersed material from shrinking.