Abstract: A laser assembly is disclosed. The laser assembly includes a carrier for mounting a semiconductor laser diode (LD) and a capacitor thereon. The carrier provides, in a top surface thereof, a metal pattern having a die area for mounting the LD through a brazing material, a mounting area, and an auxiliary area for absorbing a surplus brazing material. The capacitor is mounted on the mounting area closer to the LD through another brazing material.

Abstract: The present invention can control output of pulses from a semiconductor laser. In the present invention, a short-pulse light source (1) applies a laser drive voltage (DJ) having a pulse-shaped drive voltage pulse (DJw) to a semiconductor laser (3), thereby causing the semiconductor laser (3) to emit specific output light (LAp), as laser light (LL), having a pulse-shaped specific peak (APK) and a specific slope (ASP), an emission intensity of the specific slope (ASP) being lower than an emission intensity of the specific peak (APK). The short-pulse light source (1) controls a voltage pulse half-width (Thalf), which is a pulse width of the drive voltage pulse (DJw), by setting a pulse width (Ws) of a set pulse (SLs), thereby adjusting a ratio between the specific peak (APK) and the specific slope (ASP).

Abstract: An optical-pickup apparatus configured to prevent noise caused by return light by superposing a high-frequency signal, generated from a high-frequency signal generation circuit, on a driving signal to be supplied to a laser diode, the optical-pickup apparatus includes: a high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit including the high-frequency signal generation circuit; first wiring connected between an anode of the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit; and second wiring connected between a cathode of the laser diode and the high-frequency-superimposition integrated circuit, the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit mounted on a circuit board, the first wiring and the second wiring arranged, for the most part, in a region where the laser diode is arranged, the second wiring configured to pass through between an anode terminal of the laser diode and an anode terminal of a monitor diode.

Abstract: An optical-pickup apparatus configured to prevent noise caused by return light by superposing a high-frequency signal, generated from a high-frequency signal generation circuit, on a driving signal to be supplied to a laser diode, the optical-pickup apparatus includes: a high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit including the high-frequency signal generation circuit; first wiring connected between an anode of the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit; and second wiring connected between a cathode of the laser diode and the high-frequency-superimposition integrated circuit, the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit mounted on a circuit board, the first wiring and the second wiring arranged, for the most part, in a region where the laser diode is arranged, the second wiring configured to pass through between an anode terminal of the laser diode and an anode terminal of a monitor diode.

Abstract: A laser diode write driver is described.

Abstract: An electric field read/write head, a method of manufacturing the electric field read/write head, and an information storage device including the electric field read/write head are provided. The electric field read/write head includes: a substrate having a first surface facing a recording medium and a second surface that is perpendicular to the first surface; and a protrusion formed on the second surface and having at least a portion facing the recording medium, wherein a resistance sensor comprising a source, a drain, and a channel is included in the protrusion. An insulating layer and electric field shield layers are further sequentially formed on opposite sides of the protrusion, respectively, and at least one of the electric field shield layers is a write electrode.

Abstract: A laser attachment device of the present invention is formed of a LD package and a LD holder housing it. A first inner wall of the LD holder to come into contact with a side surface of the LD package is an inclined surface. This allows the facing direction of the LD package to be corrected by the first inner wall being the inclined surface, even when a laser beam emitted from a light emitting chip housed in the LD holder is inclined with respect to an optical axis. Thus, the traveling direction of the laser beam is corrected to the optical axis side.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical disk device includes types of semiconductor laser diodes configured to emit laser light of different wavelengths, an output control circuit configured to control light output of each semiconductor laser diode, and a composite power source configured to generate voltages required for driving the types of semiconductor laser diodes and operating the output control circuit from a single power source voltage and to selectively output the generated voltages. The composite power source includes an input port to input an external control signal at a time of voltage selection and is configured to change the output voltage stepwise in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus includes: a circuit board; a laser diode mounted on one face of the circuit board; and a high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit arranged on the other face of the circuit board, the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit including a high-frequency signal generation circuit, the circuit board having an area greater than or equal to an area occupied by a lead pin of the laser diode and a region smaller than or equal to twice a region where the laser diode is mounted, a high-frequency signal generated from the high-frequency signal generation circuit being superimposed on a driving signal to be supplied to the laser diode, in order to take a measure against noise caused by return light of the laser diode.

Abstract: By increasing the width of a lead terminal 2 connected to a die pad 1 in the vicinity of the die pad 1 and forming a slit 9 and a projecting plate in the lead terminal in the region where resin 5 is formed, it is possible to ensure the holding strength of the lead terminal by the resin 5, as well as ensuring the strength of the lead terminal during the manufacturing process and achieving a reduction in thickness.

Abstract: Providing a soliton mode-locked solid-state laser that includes a resonator, a first end of which is formed of a semiconductor saturable absorption mirror, a solid-state laser medium, a negative group velocity dispersion compensator for compensating for group velocity dispersion within the resonator, and an excitation optical system that outputs excitation light for exciting the solid-state laser medium, and oscillates soliton pulse laser light with a repetition frequency of not less than 1 GHz, an intensity modulator that includes a waveguide electrooptic modulator for modulating intensity of the soliton pulse laser light and a driver for applying a voltage to the waveguide electrooptic modulator according to desired information, and a nonlinear optical element for converting the intensity-modulated soliton pulse laser light to a second harmonic wave.

Abstract: In an information recording medium including a substrate and an information layer having a recording layer, on and from which information is recorded and reproduced by laser beam application, the recording layer is made from a Te—O-MA-MB material consisting of Te, O, MA (wherein MA is at least one element selected from Au and Pd) and MB (wherein MB is at least one element selected from Ag, Cu and Ni) with a content of Te of 10 atom % to 50 atom %, the content of O of 40 atom % to 70 atom %, the content of MA of 3 atom % to 15 atom %, and the content of MB of 3 atom % to 15 atom %. This constitution provides a low-cost information recording medium which enables high-density recording and stable reproduction of recorded data for a long period of term.

Abstract: There is provided an optical pickup apparatus which is small in size and excellent in releasing action of heat generated inside the apparatus. An optical pickup apparatus includes semiconductor lasers as light sources for emitting light, a laser driver for controlling light emitting operations of the semiconductor lasers, a first housing in which the laser driver is housed, and a second housing in which the semiconductor lasers are housed. The first housing 31 and the second housing are separately formed and connected to each other so as to have a void portion therebetween, which penetrates the first housing and the second housing in thickness directions thereof. The laser driver and the semiconductor lasers are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other via the void portion, and housed in the housing.

Abstract: An optical pickup according to the present invention includes an integrated circuit element (LDD) 5 for driving first, second, and third semiconductor lasers 3, 4, and 5. The LDD 50 is shaped so as to have a rectangular principal face surrounded by one side, with a plurality of input/output pins being arranged along each side. The plurality of input/output pins include a first pin group connected to a blue-violet laser 5 whose oscillation wavelength is the shortest, a second pin group connected to a red laser 4, and a third pin group connected to an infrared laser 3. The wiring structure of the optical pickup includes a first transmission line 41 for connecting the first pin group to the blue-violet laser 5, a second transmission line 33 for connecting the second pin group to the red laser 4, and a third transmission line 31 for connecting the third pin group to the infrared laser 3, where the first transmission line 41 is shorter than both the second and third transmission lines 31 and 33.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor laser having an edge window structure includes the steps of forming masks of insulating films on a nitride-based III-V compound semiconductor substrate including first regions and second regions periodically arranged in parallel therebetween; and growing a nitride-based III-V compound semiconductor layer in a region not covered by the masks. The first region between each two adjacent second regions has two or more positions, symmetrical with respect to a center line thereof, where laser stripes are to be formed. The masks are formed on one or both sides of each of the positions where the laser stripes are to be formed at least near a position where edge window structures are to be formed such that the masks are symmetrical with respect to the center line. The nitride-based III-V compound semiconductor layer includes an active layer containing at least indium and gallium.

Abstract: A method for designing an optical pickup is provided. The optical pick includes a monolithic laser diode that emits a laser light beam for DVD recording and a laser light beam for CD playback, two photodetective portions, and an objective lens, for each of the emitting portions of the monolithic laser diode for emitting the DVD recording and CD playback laser light beams respectively, the specification of the error of the emission direction thereof is determined according to the following formula: |(???1×??1×Dpd1/Dob1????2×??2×Dpd2/Dob2)×Kpd2|??, where, “1” corresponds to the DVD recording laser light beam and “2” corresponds to the CD playback laser light beam, ??? represents the emission angle; ?? represents the sensitivity; Dob represents the diameter of the light beam; Dpd represents the diameter of the spot formed by the light beam; Kpd represents the sensitivity; and ? represents the tolerable value.

Abstract: An optical system (20) for efficiently collimating an elliptical light beam includes a light source (21), a first lens (22), a second lens (23), and a third lens (24). The light source is adapted for providing an elliptical light beam defining different diverging angles in different directions, wherein any cross-section of the elliptical light beam emitted from the light source defines a long axis and a short axis which are perpendicular to each other. The first lens, the second lens, and the third lens are used for reconfiguring the elliptical light beam, thus obtaining a round light beam having equivalent short axis and long axis, and equivalent diverging angles in both horizontal direction and vertical direction. Optical centers of the first lens, the second lens, and the third lens commonly define a common optical axis along which the elliptical light beams travels.

Abstract: An optical disk drive includes drive current generation unit for supplying a mark forming semiconductor laser drive current and a space forming semiconductor laser drive current; first high-frequency superimposition unit for superimposing a high-frequency component on the space forming semiconductor laser drive current; and high-frequency superimposition control unit for controlling the first high-frequency superimposition unit to stop the superimposition of the high-frequency component for a predetermined duration prior to a timing at which to switch from the space forming semiconductor laser drive current to the mark forming semiconductor laser drive current, eliminating positional variations on the disk of the mark leading and trailing edges due to the high frequency superimposition.

Abstract: An optical pickup device comprises a light emitting element for emitting a laser beam, and a housing in which the light emitting element is mounted, wherein the light emitting element is contained in a holder for protecting the light emitting device, the holder including a projecting portion for dissipating heat generated by the light emitting element, and the projecting portion is located within the housing. Thus, an optical pickup device having a light emitting element held in a holder which is superior in heat dissipation and is resistant to damage can be provided.

Abstract: A heat source having a device emitting heat, a case protecting and supporting the device, and a thermoelectric element absorbing the heat emitted from the device and dissipating the heat to an outside.

Abstract: A multiplexing optical system includes collimator lenses, a first condensing lens, a second condensing lens and an optical fiber. The collimator lenses collimate divergent laser beams that have been emitted from semiconductor lasers. The first condensing lens condenses laser beams transmitted through the collimator lenses in only one of a plane including the stripe width direction of the semiconductor lasers and a plane including a direction perpendicular to the stripe width direction. The second condensing lens condenses laser beams transmitted through the first condensing lens. The optical fiber is arranged in such a manner that the condensed laser beams enter the optical fiber. In the multiplexing optical system, an anamorphic lens is used as the second condensing lens, and the anamorphic lens condenses the laser beams in the two planes in cooperation with the first condensing lens.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser apparatus is provided which comprises a semiconductor laser device for emitting laser light and a base having a major surface and a circumferential side surface. The circumferential side surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. The semiconductor laser device is mounted on the major surface of the base. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the circumferential side surface is tilted from a direction perpendicular to the major surface so that a height in a vertical direction of the semiconductor laser apparatus is reduced or minimized.

Abstract: An optical device wherein an optical component and a plurality of light emitting elements are mounted on an identical substrate, a level of a surface on which the optical component is mounted is different from that of a surface on which the light emitting elements are mounted by a step provided on the substrate, at least one plane vertical to the surface on which the optical component is mounted and located on a periphery of the substrate is opened, a reflecting surface, a transmitting surface or a diffraction grating surface of the optical component is provided along sides generated by the step provided in the substrate, optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements of which polarization axes are in parallel with each other intersect with each other on the surface, and an exit light beam of the light emitting elements is emitted from the opened plane.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser driving device includes a current supply unit supplying current to a semiconductor laser; a first control unit controlling the current supply unit to supply a first current which is half or less of a lasing threshold of the semiconductor laser; and a second control unit controlling the current supply unit to supply a second current which is larger than the lasing threshold after a first time is passed from an edge of a clock signal.

Abstract: A chuck portion provided to keep a fixed positional relation with respect to a housing, holds a light source unit detachably. This chuck portion is displaced from an advanced position to a retracted position to displace the light source unit which is in a provisional position with respect to the housing, in a direction being away from the housing along a reference axis and the light source unit is retracted from the housing. In a state where the light source unit which is in this position is held by the chuck portion, the light source unit is slid and displaced in a direction crossing the reference axis with respect to the housing, angularly displaced about the reference axis and an axis crossing the reference axis, and then fixed to the housing.

Abstract: Providing an objective lens with a large numerical aperture (NA), the present invention records or plays conventional optical disks such as CDs and DVDs at high light usage efficiency, using an optical head capable of recording or reproducing high-density optical disks. A diffraction optical element (8) is disposed in a light path of a first light beam of a first wavelength ?1 (400 nm to 415 nm) and a second light beam of a second wavelength ?2 (650 nm to 680 nm). And, the present invention principally emits 5th order diffracted light with respect to the first light beam, and principally emits 3rd order diffracted light with respect to the second light beam, from the diffraction optical element (8). Thus, a high diffraction efficiency of substantially 100% can be obtained with respect to both wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes a radiating plate made to abut against a rear surface of a laser diode by positioning an engaging hole provided penetratingly in a central portion of the radiating plate concentrically with the laser diode. Slits are formed in the radiating plate to form a pair of tongues in the manner of point symmetry about an axis of the engaging hole. Screw insertion portions formed in the respective tongues are communicates with the slits. As screws are passed through the screw inserting portions and are screwed in, the radiating plate is secured to the base. When the screws are screwed in, the axis is positioned on a phantom line connecting points of application of force generated at proximal end portions of the tongues. Distances from the axis to the respective points of application of force are set to be substantially identical.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus and a method for performing optical power study thereof can prevent errors for a power study result, which may be generated in a condition that the output power of a laser diode (LD) is saturated at a high temperature, in which the power study detects output characteristics of the LD. The optical disc apparatus includes a laser output device which outputs a laser beam in response to a light output control signal, a sensor which detects some of the outputted laser beam to output a signal corresponding to the outputted laser beam, and a controller which applies the light output control signal of a certain range to the laser output device and which calculates characteristics of the laser output power which is outputted from the laser output device in response to the light output control signal, based on the output signals of the sensor, which correspond to the light output control signal, and whether the laser output device is in a saturated state.

Abstract: A light emitting device according to the present invention includes: a first light source for emitting light having a first wavelength; and a second light source for emitting light having a second wavelength which is different from the first wavelength, wherein the first light source and the second light source are arranged in the same housing, and a relationship of ?h1>?h2 is satisfied, where ?h1 denotes an angle (full-width-half-maximum) of radiation of the light emitted from the first light source in the horizontal direction, and ?h2 denotes an angle (full-width-half-maximum) of radiation of the light emitted from the second light source in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Providing an objective lens with a large numerical aperture (NA), the present invention records or plays conventional optical disks such as CDs and DVDs at high light usage efficiency, using an optical head capable of recording or reproducing high-density optical disks. A diffraction optical element (8) is disposed in a light path of a first light beam of a first wavelength ?1 (400 nm to 415 nm) and a second light beam of a second wavelength ?2 (650 nm to 680 nm). And, the present invention principally emits 5th order diffracted light with respect to the first light beam, and principally emits 3rd order diffracted light with respect to the second light beam, from the diffraction optical element (8). Thus, a high diffraction efficiency of substantially 100% can be obtained with respect to both wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus comprises a semiconductor laser output controller for emitting laser beam, a photodetector for detecting the emitted laser beam, a sampling processor for performing a sampling process, an averaging processor for performing an averaging process, a pulse current generator for generating erase current pulses, write current pulses, and read current pulses, and a controller 200 for controlling the above components. The apparatus adds averaged values and sampled values and controls the semiconductor laser output controller based on the result of the addition and on the current pulses.

Abstract: An optical head with a plurality of semi-conductor laser chips for use in reducing inclination or gradient of more than one beam presently falling onto a focusing lens is disclosed. To this end, a double mirror or alternatively beam reshaping means is disposed which has different reflection planes for permitting reflection of a plurality of laser beams incoming from the semiconductor laser chips.

Abstract: In an optical semiconductor package according to the present invention, the component bearing surface of the stem having an outline made up of opposed first and second circular-arc parts, a first straight-line part which connects each end of the first and second circular-arc parts and a second straight-line part which connects each other end of the first and second circular-arc parts. The first and second circular-arc parts have a common center, and the first circular-arc part has a larger radius than that of the second circular-arc part. Thus, the larger space, the space between the first circular-arc part and the center, can be used for disposing the light detector or a polarization split element, and the unused space, the space between the second circular-arc part and the center, will be minimum, thereby realizing downsizing and cost reduction of the device.

Abstract: An aperture 12 for producing an evanescent wave is provided at an n-Au electrode 106. The aperture 12 is directed roughly perpendicularly to a direction in which end faces 104a of an active layer 104 of an optical device oppose to each other, and therefore, laser light generated in the active layer 104 is made incident in the form of the p-polarized light. By the incidence of the p-polarized laser light, an evanescent wave of a comparatively great intensity is obtained from the aperture 12. With this arrangement, an optical device capable of obtaining an evanescent wave of a comparatively great intensity is provided.

Abstract: A power control circuit for an optical information recording device is disclosed. A power sampling signal from a photodiode is transmitted to a peal envelope acquiring circuit and a bottom envelope acquiring circuit and then sampled and held, which is fed-back to a laser diode driving circuit. The laser diode driving circuit alters a driving signal emitted to the laser diode according to the fed-back signal to adjust the power of the optical signal emitted from the laser diode. Therefore, cost is reduced and the power control circuit is particularly suitable for high-speed recordable optical disk drive.

Abstract: In a laser module holding a semiconductor laser chip and a reflecting surface, to perform positioning on the semiconductor laser chip with high precision, and reduce the period of production, so as to realize downsizing and cost reduction, reflecting surfaces provided on a silicon substrate has a step portion, and the reflecting surfaces are used as reflecting surface for laser emission light and laser chip positioning surface, for high precision positioning. Further, in a laser module which requires a high level power for recording, slopes opposite to side surfaces of the semiconductor laser chip in a lengthwise direction have a step portion, and in wiring of lower electrodes of the laser chip from the bottom of the sink to an upper portion of the silicon substrate, a slope having an angle with respect to the laser chip lengthwise direction is formed as a gentle slope, then wiring is made via the slope, thus mitigating occurrence of migration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to stably manufacture a semiconductor laser element having a plurality of wavelengths without split of a wafer in a wafering step while preventing a tracking error due to the returning light of three beams in one semiconductor laser. The present invention provides a semiconductor laser element, which comprises a plurality of emitting regions formed on one substrate, each region having different wavelength, wherein at least one side portion of at least one emitting region is opposed to a part of the substrate.

Abstract: A near-field laser and detector apparatus and method wherein both writing and reading of optical media can be carried out using the same laser operating in a single mode for both read and write operations. The single operational mode can be utilized with both edge emitting and surface emitting laser configurations, and allows readout via rear facet output power variation or by voltage variation across the laser. A small aperture laser is operated during read and write operations at a bias current which is higher than the threshold currents associated with feedback from high and low reflectivity regions of an optical medium. The bias current and laser structure provide a relatively high, continuous output power from the front emission facet of the laser to facilitate writing, while providing substantial fluctuation or change in output power from the rear emission facet to facilitate readout.

Abstract: In an optical pickup device for recording information onto and/or reading out information from an optical recording medium, comprising a light beam source for generating a light beam to be projected toward the optical recording medium, and a light beam detector for receiving the light beam reflected by the optical recording medium so that the information is read out from the light beam after reflected by the optical recording medium, a container houses therein the light beam source and includes an aperture through which the light beam proceeds toward the optical recording medium, and a light beam guide member is mounted on an outer surface of the container and covers the aperture to guide the light beam after reflected by the optical recording medium toward the light beam detector.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing system records/reproduces information in a three-dimensional optical recording medium wherein information is recordable at three-dimensional optional positions and wherein position reference regions having optical characteristics different from those of recordable regions are previously provided at predetermined positions, and for reproducing information recorded in the three-dimensional optical recording medium. The recording system comprises a light source, a detector, a moving mechanism, and a light intensity adjuster. The reproducing system comprises a light source, a condenser, a detector, a moving mechanism, and a reproducing device.

Abstract: The medium of a disk for CD-R is a pigmentation material so readout by a 650-nm laser diode (LD) is not possible. Since CD-R is becoming popular in the marketplace, there are demands for a DVD readout device that is capable of reading CD-R format disks. An integrated semiconductor laser element is created by forming a two-wavelength LD monolithically on a GaAs substrate, and that laser element emits a laser beam that is reflected by a 45° mirror incorporated in a flat package. If a three-part holographic element is used, and the light-receiving element and an amplification circuit are integrated on a silicon substrate, it is possible to implement a small, light-weight optical pickup with fewer components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and reproducing data on and from an optical disk. The recording/reproducing apparatus records the data on an optical disk exhibiting a difference in an optical absorption rate between wavelengths using a light beam having a wavelength of a first standard. The data recorded on the optical disk is reproduced using a light beam having a wavelength of a second standard.

Abstract: A method for initializing a phase change information storage device. The method includes the steps of: providing a data storage device having a phase change data storage medium, and exposing the phase change data storage medium with a first, energy exposure for about 1 &mgr;sec or less.

Abstract: A hologram laser unit to be used for performing recording and reproducing operations of information for an optical disk, includes a light source, a photodetector, and a hologram element which are formed integrally with each other. The hologram element includes: a first hologram for detecting information signals from the optical disk, the first hologram being provided in an area having an effective diameter corresponding to a numerical aperture suitable for the optical disk; and a second hologram for compensating for only a transmitted light amount of light traveling toward the optical disk from the light source, the second hologram being provided contiguously outside the first hologram.

Abstract: A minute optical head is provided so that a light source and one or more photo detector elements are integrated on the same substrate by a simple manufacturing process and may be applied to an apparatus for recording and reproducing recordable optical information. An apparatus for recording and reproducing optical information is arranged to have a minute optical head. A light waveguide layer composed of column semiconductor crystal is formed on a monocrystalline transparent substrate and an active layer is formed on the side of the light waveguide layer. The light beam source is a semiconductor having a vertical resonator formed of a high-reflection film before and after an emitting surface of the active layer so that a light beam is vertically radiated to the substrate. The photo detector element is integrated on the closer portion of the substrate to the light beam source of the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: An optical pickup device has a single light beam path in which at least one or either of a plurality of kinds of light beams (different from each other in, for example, wavelength) for respective recording densities and/or recording-medium-thicknesses proceeds toward a surface of an optical recording medium and proceeds to a light beam detector after being reflected by the surface.

Abstract: An optical pickup head for high density optical storage applications and a method of fabrication including a first order mode light source and a phase shift mask. The light source is capable of emitting a power output of at least 10 mW. The phase shift mask positioned to allow for a 180.degree. shift in light emitted therethrough, thereby creating a reduced focal spot size for high density data write applications. The optical pickup head capable of high density read and write applications for both CDs and DVDs.

Abstract: An integrated optical apparatus includes an optically transparent substrate with a light source and a detector mounted adjacent thereto. The substrate includes an optical element in a transmit path from the light source to a remote target. The optical element splits the light into more than one beam. A detector receives beams reflected by the target. All optical elements needed to create the more then one beam, direct the more than one beam onto the target and direct the more than one beam from the target to the detector are on the substrate and/or any structure bonded to the substrate. Preferably, the optical element provides sufficient separation between the more than one beam such that each beam is delivered to a unique respective light detecting element of the detector. The return path from the remote target to the detector may include an optical element for each beam or no optical elements. An additional substrate may be included and bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope can process two-dimensional or third-dimensional optical information at high speed and can be simplified in arrangement. The confocal scanning microscope includes an optical coupling device array composed of a plurality of optical coupling devices arranged on a common substrate in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional fashion, and an objective lens, wherein each of the optical coupling devices has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion closely disposed on the common substrate, and reflected-back light obtained from a target object after light emitted from the light-emitting portion has been reflected on the target object is received and detected near a confocal position by the light-receiving portion.

Abstract: A power control circuit for an optical information recording device is disclosed. A power sampling signal from a photodiode is transmitted to a peal envelope acquiring circuit and a bottom envelope acquiring circuit and then sampled and held, which is fed-back to a laser diode driving circuit. The laser diode driving circuit alters a driving signal emitted to the laser diode according to the fed-back signal to adjust the power of the optical signal emitted from the laser diode. Therefore, cost is reduced and the power control circuit is particularly suitable for high-speed recordable optical disk drive.