Japan Semiconductor Innovation 50 (D-12 1980s)
VSIS Laser for CD Players (Sharp)
The GaAs/AlGaAs double-hetero-structured lasers, invented
in 1979 by Bell laboratories, initially had the disadvantage of short life
time and high cost, caused by their complicated structure and fabrication
process. They were used in measurement equipment and telecommunication systems.
However, it was very difficult to use them in consumer appliance.
In 1982, Sharp developed the V-channel Substrate Inner Stripe (VSIS) laser
using proprietary p-GaAs substrate, which was suitable for volume production
with low cost. This laser achieved operating lifetime of 40,000 hours, remarkably
long in those days. Using the laser, the world’s first commercial CD player
for home-use was realized by Sony and Royal Philips Electronics in 1982.
The VSIS laser opened the door for consumer electronics application of semiconductor
lasers.
Cross Section of VSIS Laser |
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| Quote from Sharp Technical Journal |