Towards Cover-Layer Incident Read-Out of a Dual-layer Disc with a NA=1.5 Solid Immersion Lens

Abstract

We present the status of our efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of recording on a cover-layer protected dual-layer optical disc with a blue laser and NA=1.45 objective lens that is based on a solid immersion lens (SIL). We discuss the potential data density and some practical and theoretical considerations for the light path, the objective lens and the media. In particular, we show a lens design and results of prototype manufacturing for a NA=1.45 lens that focuses on the data layer of an optical disc through a sub-wavelength air gap and a 3 µm spin coated cover-layer that protects the data on the disc.