Waveguide optical deflector for an optical disk tracking actuator using a surface acoustic wave device

Optical disks are widely used in data processing. However, one of the problems is slow access time compared with that of magnetic disks, because in the former dual mechanical actuators such as a galvanomirror or voice coils are used. To achieve higher speed access, it is necessary to replace mechanical components with an electronically controlled system. A surface acoustic device is introduced into the fine access actuator and its feasibility is tested. Less than 1-ms fine access can be expected.