CrystalLine: 3rd Generation Mastering

PTM or Phase Transition Mastering is the technology that SINGULUS MASTERING selected to build a laser beam recorder for mastering of all 3rd generation formats such as HD DVD and Blu Ray. This recorder will be used in a newly designed inline system supporting DVD and BD, pre-recorded formats.

With PTM, heat is used to record the information onto the sensitive layer of the substrate. The combination with a special layer that changes its phase above a certain thermal threshold enables SINGULUS MASTERING to record the smaller pits required for the HD formats even with the same currently standard used laser beam spot size of 405nm. With this structure change, also the chemical behaviour of the material changes, allow the development process to distinguish between exposed and non-exposed areas. The chosen development process results in a disc with the exposed pits left on the surface.

Furthermore, research has been performed on creating the optimum PTM layer on the mastering substrate and the process required to develop this into a master suitable for the subsequent galvanics step. Challenges here are in the control of pit geometry, a combination of the recording and the development process.
SINGULUS MASTERING is manufacturing a hig performance, cost effective, reliable system for manufacturing of masters for all High Density formats. SINGULUS MASTERING uses this opportunity to introduce innovative concepts of machine control.