There are many challenges in manufacturing discs in the new high density (DVD) format. Mastering and replication equipment must now support both the CD and DVD formats. A number of companies in the CD industry have identified track pitch as one area of particular concern because track pitch errors such as incorrect mean value and excessive jitter (range) may cause playback problems. This makes customers unhappy and results in costly returns. Until now there has been no adequate test method for DVD track pitch.

DiscTrack Plus™ directly measures track pitch on compact discs using scanning probe microscope images. It tabulates individual values of track pitch. Quantitative graphs and statistical parameters give a firm basis for assessing disc quality and allow you to decide whether a disc passes or fails the track pitch specification. For example, both Disc 1 and Disc 2 had mean track pitch within the specified window (0.74 +/- 0.01 mm), but the range of pitch values for Disc 1 exceeded the specification (0.74 +/- 0.03 mm). Results for the calibration standard show that individual features can be measured with a precision of 1 nm.

Who needs DVD and CD track pitch information? Anyone who is concerned about playback quality. Manufacturers of discs, disc production equipment (such as laser beam recorders and replication presses), and disc players are all concerned about track pitch. Track pitch errors create noise and signal distortion, leading to data errors. By knowing whether track pitch is under control (and quantitatively how well it is controlled), you can make a wiser purchasing decision, optimize your process more quickly, and assure consistent performance.

We provide Disc Track Plus™ Measurement Systems for companies with Atomic Force Microscopes, or Disc Track Plus™ Measurement Services for companies without AFM's or who need additional outside assistance.

DiscTrack Plus™ Measurement System

Overview. DiscTrack Plus™ software can be installed on existing Scanning Probe (Atomic Force) Microscopes or on any Windows PC. You can now get high accuracy measurements of track pitch. You will be able to easily distinguish between discs of different quality. The precise, quantitative results will help you decide which disc meets specifications and which disc fails. The complete DiscTrack Plus™ system includes the following components:

• DiscTrack Plus™ data analysis software
• one or more calibration specimens
  

Software features and benefits:

• DiscTrack Plus™ analyzes Scanning Probe Microscope images of stampers, replicas, or masters. Because the results are based on a direct physical measurement of the disc surface, you avoid the uncertainty that may be associated with the interpretation and calibration of optical and electrical signals in a test player.
• The high precision calibration and measurement process (Patented) automatically assures accurate results.
• The graphical interface, on-line help, and free technical support make it easy to learn and use.
• Output files are in Excel format and can be opened immediately by Microsoft Excel and compatible software.
• The automatic feature finder makes it easy to accumulate many observations of track pitch, because there are no tedious manual measurements. This means that the range and standard deviation are more reliable.
• The statistical report, pitch table and graph provide full documentation of mean track pitch and pitch variation for quality control.
• The User's manual includes suggested data capture and analysis procedures, so that you can produce high quality results quickly.

Calibration specimens:

• Holographic fabrication assures high accuracy and precision.
• Pattern height of 100-300 nm provides excellent image contrast.
• The pattern covers a 3 x 4 mm area, which saves time because you can image anywhere.
• Specimens are pre-mounted on 15-mm steel disks for convenient handling.

Other information:

• Software supports the file formats of major brands of SPMs
• Supplied on CD with printed User's Manual
• Computer requirements: PC running Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP.

Calibration samples - see our calibrator guide 

Measurement Service:

You can also get high accuracy measurements of track pitch using our measurement services. You will be able to easily distinguish between discs of different quality using our comprehensive report of pitch results. These precise, quantitative results will help you decide which discs meet specifications and which discs fail.

We recommend capturing sufficient AFM images to include 100-120 individual measurements of track pitch.  This may require 6-10 images. On DVD, we often measure 2 nearby 10-um images at each of 5 different radial positions on a stamper.

Service Benefits and features:

• We can analyze stampers, replicas, or masters. Because the results are based on a direct physical measurement of the disc surface, you avoid the uncertainty that may be associated with the interpretation and calibration of optical and electrical signals in a test player.
• The high precision calibration and measurement process automatically assures accurate results.
• Optional plain text output files can be imported into third-party spreadsheet or plotting programs.
• The automatic feature finder makes it easy to accumulate many observations of track pitch, because there are no tedious manual measurements. This means that the range and standard deviation are more reliable. It also means that we are able to turn around your samples more quickly.
• The statistical report, pitch table and graph provide full documentation of mean track pitch and pitch variation for quality control.
• We can handle your overflow, or rush you results if you need them.

What is a Scanning Probe Microscope(SPM)? An SPM is an instrument which uses a physical probe to trace the hills and valleys of a surface, producing a high magnification 3-D image. The Atomic Force Microscope(AFM) is one type of SPM.

Corporate profile. Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. is an independent analytical service and research laboratory. Since 1991, we have been helping many companies in the disc industry to solve materials and processing problems. Our proprietary DiscTrack™ technology was developed to meet your industry's needs.

Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. 3250 N. Post Rd., Suite 120 Indianapolis, IN  46226 USA Phone: +1-317-895-5630 Toll Free: 1-800-374-8557 (US & Canada) FAX:  +1-317-895-5652 http://www.asmicro.com e-mail: info@asmicro.com

disctrak.htm last updated 04/09/2007

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