JP2009110591A - Objective lens and optical pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an objective lens for an optical pickup device for recording/reproducing information compatibly with different optical disks with a simple configuration, and to provide an optical pickup device using the objective lens. <P>SOLUTION: A third optical path difference imparting structure has such a function that a third optical flux is flared when made incident, the third optical flux made incident on a peripheral region can be flared on an information recording plane of an third optical disk. Thus, the recording/reproducing can be performed compatibly with three kinds of different optical disks with a simple configuration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an objective lens for an optical pickup device that records and / or reproduces information (also referred to as recording / reproduction in this specification) interchangeably with respect to different types of optical discs, and uses the same. The present invention relates to an optical pickup device.

  In recent years, in an optical pickup device, a laser light source used as a light source for reproducing information recorded on an optical disc and recording information on the optical disc has been shortened. For example, a blue-violet semiconductor laser, Laser light sources with wavelengths of 400 to 420 nm, such as blue SHG lasers that perform wavelength conversion of infrared semiconductor lasers using harmonics, are being put into practical use. When these blue-violet laser light sources are used, when an objective lens having the same numerical aperture (NA) as that of a DVD (digital versatile disk) is used, it is possible to record information of 15 to 20 GB on an optical disk having a diameter of 12 cm. When the NA of the objective lens is increased to 0.85, 23 to 25 GB of information can be recorded on an optical disk having a diameter of 12 cm. Hereinafter, in this specification, an optical disk and a magneto-optical disk using a blue-violet laser light source are collectively referred to as a “high density optical disk”.

  In a high-density optical disk using an NA 0.85 objective lens, coma aberration generated due to the inclination (skew) of the optical disk increases, so the protective layer is designed thinner than in the case of DVD (0 of DVD). Some have reduced the amount of coma due to skew. By the way, it can not be said that the value of an optical disc player / recorder (optical information recording / reproducing device) as a product is sufficient only by appropriately recording / reproducing information on such a high-density optical disc. In light of the reality that DVDs and CDs (compact discs) on which a wide variety of information is recorded are currently being sold, it is not possible to record / reproduce information on high-density optical discs. Similarly, making it possible to appropriately record / reproduce information on DVDs and CDs leads to an increase in commercial value as an optical disc player / recorder for high-density optical discs. From such a background, an optical pickup device mounted on an optical disc player / recorder for high density optical discs can appropriately receive information while maintaining compatibility with both high density optical discs, DVDs, and even CDs. It is desired to have a performance capable of recording / reproducing.

  As a method for recording / reproducing information appropriately while maintaining compatibility with both high-density optical discs and DVDs, and even CDs, optical systems for high-density optical discs and optical systems for DVDs and CDs are used. A method of selectively switching the system to and from the recording density of an optical disk for recording / reproducing information is conceivable, but a plurality of optical systems are required, which is disadvantageous for miniaturization and increases the cost.

  Therefore, in order to simplify the configuration of the optical pickup device and reduce the cost, the optical system for high-density optical discs and the optical system for DVDs and CDs must be shared in compatible optical pickup devices. It is preferable to reduce the number of optical components constituting the optical pickup device as much as possible. And, it is most advantageous to simplify the configuration of the optical pickup device and to reduce the cost to make the objective lens arranged facing the optical disc in common. In order to obtain a common objective lens for a plurality of types of optical disks having different recording / reproducing wavelengths, it is necessary to form an optical path difference providing structure having a wavelength dependency of spherical aberration in the objective optical system.

Patent Document 1 discloses an objective optical system having a diffractive structure as an optical path difference providing structure, which can be used in common with, for example, a high-density optical disc and a conventional DVD and CD, and an optical pickup equipped with the objective optical system. An apparatus is described.
JP 2005-158217 A

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a first diffraction surface that does not diffract a light beam having a first wavelength λ1 and a light beam having a third wavelength λ3, but diffracts a light beam having a second wavelength λ2, and A diffractive optical element having a second diffractive surface that does not diffract the light beam having the first wavelength λ1 and the light beam having the second wavelength λ2 and diffracts the light beam having the third wavelength λ3 is Information is recorded / reproduced to be compatible with various types of optical disks. However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the objective optical system is formed of two optical elements, there is a problem that high-precision assembly is required and the cost is increased.

  On the other hand, a technique for recording / reproducing information in a compatible manner with three different types of optical disks using a single objective lens has been developed. As an example, for example, when a blue-violet laser beam is incident on a single objective lens, + 1st order diffracted light is generated, and when a red laser beam is incident, −1st order diffracted light is generated, and an infrared laser beam is generated. In some cases, an appropriate light spot is formed on the information recording surface of a high-density optical disc, DVD, or CD by forming an optical path difference providing structure that generates -2nd order diffracted light when incident. This aspect is considered to be a preferable aspect that is easy to manufacture because it is not necessary to superimpose the optical path difference providing structure for compatibility.

  However, as a result of studies by the present inventors, when an infrared laser beam is incident on such an objective lens, the beam that has passed outside the numerical aperture does not become sufficient flare light on the information recording surface of the CD. Therefore, it has been found that there is a possibility that a recording / reproducing error may occur in the optical pickup device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and is capable of recording / recording information in a manner compatible with different optical discs while having a simple configuration with minimal overlap of the optical path difference providing structure. An object of the present invention is to provide an objective lens for an optical pickup device that can perform reproduction and an optical pickup device using the objective lens.

The objective lens according to claim 1, wherein a first light beam having a wavelength λ1 emitted from the first light source is used to form a condensing spot on the information recording surface of the first optical disc having a protective layer having a thickness t1. A focused spot is formed on the information recording surface of the second optical disc having a protective layer having a thickness of t2 (t1 ≦ t2) using a second light beam having a wavelength of λ2 (λ1 <λ2) emitted from the second light source. A condensed spot is formed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc having a protective layer with a thickness t3 (t2 <t3) by using a third light beam having a wavelength λ3 (λ2 <λ3) emitted from the third light source. In the objective lens of the optical pickup device provided with the objective lens to perform,
The optical surface of the objective lens has at least a ring-shaped central region including an optical axis, and a ring-shaped peripheral region formed around the central region,
The first light flux that has passed through the central area and the peripheral area is condensed on the information recording surface of the first optical disc,
The second light flux that has passed through the central area and the peripheral area is condensed on the information recording surface of the second optical disc,
The third light flux that has passed through the central region is condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc,
A first optical path difference providing structure is formed in the central region, and has a maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure. The diffraction order of the diffracted light is M, and among the diffracted lights generated when the second light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the largest amount of diffracted light is N, and Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure, when the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is O, at least one of M, N, and O One is positive and at least one of M, N, O is negative,
In the peripheral region, a second optical path difference providing structure and a third optical path difference providing structure are formed so as to overlap each other,
Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the second optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is P, and the second optical path difference providing structure has the Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam is incident, P ≠ Q, where Q is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light.
The third optical path difference providing structure has a function of flaring when the third light beam enters.

  According to the present invention, since the third optical path difference providing structure has a function of flaring when the third light beam is incident, the third light beam incident on the peripheral region is transmitted to the third optical disc. Since the first optical path difference providing structure is used in the central area, it is not necessary to superimpose the optical path difference providing structure for compatibility. Even with a simple configuration, information can be recorded / reproduced in a manner compatible with three different types of optical disks. The “flare function” means that the third light flux that passes outside in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis from the required numerical aperture when the third optical disk is used is favorably condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disk. In other words, it refers to a function that does not contribute to recording / reproduction of the third optical disk.

  The objective lens described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, M = + 1, N = −1, and O = −2.

  The objective lens described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, M = + 1, N = −2, and O = −3.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the objective lens according to the first aspect, wherein M = + 1, N = −1, and O = −1.

  The objective lens according to claim 5 is the objective lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maximum of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure. The diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity among the diffracted lights generated when the second light flux is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure is R. Where S is S and R = 0 when the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted light generated when the third light flux enters the third optical path difference providing structure is T = 0. , S = 0, T = ± 1.

  An objective lens according to a sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, M = P and N = Q.

  The objective lens according to claim 7 is the objective lens according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an outermost peripheral region is formed around the peripheral region, and the first lens that has passed through the outermost peripheral region. One light beam is condensed on the information recording surface of the first optical disc.

  An optical pickup device according to an eighth aspect includes the objective lens according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

  The optical pickup device according to the present invention includes at least a first light source. In addition to the first light source, a second light source may be included, and a third light source may be further included. Furthermore, the optical pickup device of the present invention has a condensing optical system for condensing the first light flux on the information recording surface of the first optical disc. When the second light source is provided, the condensing optical system condenses the second light beam on the information recording surface of the second optical disc. When it has a 3rd light source, the said condensing optical system condenses the 3rd light beam on the information recording surface of a 3rd optical disk. The optical pickup device of the present invention includes a light receiving element that receives reflected light from the information recording surface of the first optical disc. Moreover, you may have a light receiving element which light-receives the reflected light beam from the information recording surface of a 2nd optical disk or a 3rd optical disk.

  The first optical disc has a protective substrate having a thickness t1 and an information recording surface. The second optical disc has a protective substrate having a thickness t2 (t1 ≦ t2) and an information recording surface. The third optical disc has a protective substrate having a thickness t3 (t2 <t3) and an information recording surface. The first optical disk is preferably a high density optical disk, the second optical disk is a DVD, and the third optical disk is preferably a CD, but is not limited thereto. The first optical disc, the second optical disc, or the third optical disc may be a multi-layer optical disc having a plurality of information recording surfaces.

  In the present specification, as an example of a high-density optical disc, information is recorded / reproduced by an objective lens having an NA of 0.85, and a protective optical disc having a thickness of about 0.1 mm (for example, BD: Blu-ray Disc (Blu-ray Disc)). As another example of a high-density optical disk, information is recorded / reproduced by an objective lens having an NA of 0.65 to 0.67, and a standard optical disk having a protective substrate thickness of about 0.6 mm (for example, HD DVD: also simply referred to as HD). In addition, the high-density optical disc includes an optical disc having a protective film with a thickness of about several to several tens of nanometers on the information recording surface (in this specification, the protective substrate includes the protective film), and the thickness of the protective substrate. Also included are optical discs with a zero. The high-density optical disk includes a magneto-optical disk in which a blue-violet semiconductor laser or a blue-violet SHG laser is used as a light source for recording / reproducing information. Furthermore, in this specification, DVD is a general term for DVD series optical discs in which information is recorded / reproduced by an objective lens having an NA of about 0.60 to 0.67 and the thickness of the protective substrate is about 0.6 mm. And includes DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, and the like. Further, in this specification, CD is a general term for CD-series optical discs in which information is recorded / reproduced by an objective lens having an NA of about 0.45 to 0.51 and the protective substrate has a thickness of about 1.2 mm. Including CD-ROM, CD-Audio, CD-Video, CD-R, CD-RW, and the like. As for the recording density, the recording density of the high-density optical disk is the highest, and then decreases in the order of DVD and CD.

  In addition, regarding the thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 of the protective substrate, it is preferable to satisfy the following conditional expressions (1), (2), and (3), but is not limited thereto.

0.0750 mm ≦ t1 ≦ 0.125 mm or 0.5 mm ≦ t1 ≦ 0.7 mm (1)
0.5mm ≦ t2 ≦ 0.7mm (2)
1.0mm ≦ t3 ≦ 1.3mm (3)

  In the present specification, the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are preferably laser light sources. As the laser light source, a semiconductor laser, a silicon laser, or the like can be preferably used. The first wavelength λ1 of the first light beam emitted from the first light source, the second wavelength λ2 (λ2> λ1) of the second light beam emitted from the second light source, and the third of the third light beam emitted from the third light source. The wavelength λ3 (λ3> λ2) preferably satisfies the following conditional expressions (4) and (5).

  1.5 × λ1 <λ2 <1.7 × λ1 (4)

  1.9 × λ1 <λ3 <2.1 × λ1 (5)

  When BD, HD, DVD, and CD are used as the first optical disc, the second optical disc, and the third optical disc, respectively, the first wavelength λ1 of the first light source is 390 nm or more and 420 nm or less. The second wavelength λ2 of the second light source is preferably 570 nm or more and 680 nm or less, more preferably 630 nm or more and 670 nm or less, and the third wavelength λ3 of the third light source is preferably 750 nm or more and 880 nm or less, and more Preferably, it is 760 nm or more and 820 nm or less.

  Further, at least two of the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source may be unitized. The unitization means that the first light source and the second light source are fixedly housed in one package, for example. However, the unitization is not limited to this, and the two light sources are fixed so that the aberration cannot be corrected. Is widely included. In addition to the light source, a light receiving element to be described later may be packaged.

  As the light receiving element, a photodetector such as a photodiode is preferably used. Light reflected on the information recording surface of the optical disc enters the light receiving element, and a read signal of information recorded on each optical disc is obtained using the output signal. Furthermore, it detects the change in the light amount due to the spot shape change and position change on the light receiving element, performs focus detection and track detection, and based on this detection, the objective lens can be moved for focusing and tracking I can do it. The light receiving element may comprise a plurality of photodetectors. The light receiving element may have a main photodetector and a sub photodetector. For example, two sub photodetectors are provided on both sides of a photodetector that receives main light used for recording and reproducing information, and the sub light for tracking adjustment is received by the two sub photodetectors. It is good also as a simple light receiving element. The light receiving element may have a plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to the respective light sources.

  In addition, the optical pickup device preferably includes a monitoring unit that monitors the intensity of the light beam before the light beam emitted from the light source enters the objective lens. Such monitoring means can detect the intensity of the light beam emitted from the light source, but does not detect the intensity of the light beam after passing through the objective optical element. It cannot be detected. Therefore, the effect of the present invention becomes more remarkable in the optical pickup device having such a monitoring means.

  The condensing optical system of the optical pickup device includes an objective lens. The condensing optical system may include only the objective lens, but may include a coupling lens such as a collimator lens in addition to the objective lens. The coupling lens is a single lens or a lens group that is disposed between the objective lens and the light source and changes the divergence angle of the light beam. The collimating lens is a kind of coupling lens, and is a lens that emits light incident on the collimating lens as parallel light. Further, the condensing optical system has an optical element such as a diffractive optical element that divides the light beam emitted from the light source into a main light beam used for recording and reproducing information and two sub light beams used for tracking and the like. May be. In this specification, the objective lens refers to an optical system that is disposed at a position facing the optical disk in the optical pickup device and has a function of condensing the light beam emitted from the light source onto the information recording surface of the optical disk. Preferably, the objective lens is an optical system that is disposed at a position facing the optical disk in the optical pickup device and has a function of condensing the light beam emitted from the light source on the information recording surface of the optical disk, and further by an actuator. It refers to an optical system that can be integrally changed at least in the optical axis direction. The objective lens may be composed of two or more plural lenses or may be a single lens, but is preferably a single lens. The objective lens may be a glass lens, a plastic lens, or a hybrid lens in which an optical path difference providing structure or the like is provided on a glass lens with a photocurable resin. Even if the lens is a plastic lens and an optical path difference providing structure for correcting spherical aberration due to a temperature change is provided, the wavelength variation of diffraction efficiency can be reduced by the present invention, so that the objective lens is a plastic lens. The effect of the present invention becomes more remarkable. In addition, when an objective lens has a some lens, you may mix and use a glass lens and a plastic lens. When the objective lens has a plurality of lenses, it may be a combination of a flat plate optical element having an optical path difference providing structure which is a basic structure and an aspherical lens (which may or may not have an optical path difference providing structure). . The objective lens preferably has a refractive surface that is aspheric. In the objective lens, it is preferable that the base surface on which the optical path difference providing structure which is a basic structure is provided is an aspherical surface.

  Moreover, when using an objective lens as a glass lens, it is preferable to use the glass material whose glass transition point Tg is 400 degrees C or less. By using a glass material having a glass transition point Tg of 400 ° C. or lower, molding at a relatively low temperature becomes possible, so that the life of the mold can be extended. Examples of such a glass material having a low glass transition point Tg include K-PG325 and K-PG375 (both product names) manufactured by Sumita Optical Glass Co., Ltd.

  By the way, since the specific gravity of a glass lens is generally larger than that of a resin lens, if the objective lens is a glass lens, the weight increases and a load is imposed on the actuator that drives the objective lens. Therefore, when the objective lens is a glass lens, it is preferable to use a glass material having a small specific gravity. Specifically, the specific gravity is preferably 3.0 or less, and more preferably 2.8 or less.

When the objective lens is a plastic lens, it is preferable to use a cyclic olefin-based resin material. Among the cyclic olefin-based materials, the refractive index at a temperature of 25 ° C. with respect to a wavelength of 405 nm is 1.53 to 1.60. The refractive index change rate dN / dT (° C. ⁻¹ ) is −20 × 10 ^{−5 to} −5 × 10 ^{− with} respect to the wavelength of 405 nm accompanying the temperature change within the range of −5 ° C. to 70 ° C. ^It is more preferable to use a resin material within a range of ⁵ (more preferably, −10 × 10 ^{−5 to} −8 × 10 ⁻⁵ ). When the objective lens is a plastic lens, the coupling lens is preferably a plastic lens.

  The objective lens will be described below. At least one optical surface of the objective lens has a central region and a peripheral region around the central region. More preferably, at least one optical surface of the objective lens has an outermost peripheral region around the peripheral region. By providing the outermost peripheral area, recording and / or reproduction with respect to an optical disk with a high NA can be performed more appropriately. The central region is preferably a region including the optical axis of the objective lens, but may be a region not including the optical axis. It is preferable that the central region, the peripheral region, and the most peripheral region are provided on the same optical surface. The central region, the peripheral region, and the most peripheral region are preferably provided concentrically around the optical axis on the same optical surface. An optical path difference providing structure is provided in the central area and the peripheral area of the objective lens. When the outermost peripheral region is provided, the outermost peripheral region may be a refractive surface, or an optical path difference providing structure may be provided in the outermost peripheral region. The central region, the peripheral region, and the outermost peripheral region are preferably adjacent to each other, but there may be a slight gap between them.

  In addition, the optical path difference providing structure in this specification is a general term for structures that add an optical path difference to an incident light beam. The optical path difference providing structure also includes a phase difference providing structure for providing a phase difference. The phase difference providing structure includes a diffractive structure. The optical path difference providing structure has a step, preferably a plurality of steps. This step adds an optical path difference and / or phase difference to the incident light flux. The optical path difference added by the optical path difference providing structure may be an integer multiple of the wavelength of the incident light beam or a non-integer multiple of the wavelength of the incident light beam. The steps may be arranged with a periodic interval in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or may be arranged with a non-periodic interval in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

  The optical path difference providing structure preferably has a plurality of concentric annular zones centered on the optical axis. Each annular zone is preferably separated by a step. Further, the optical path difference providing structure is preferably a type of structure in which a step-like pattern having a cross-sectional shape including the optical axis is repeated. A plurality of optical path difference providing structures may be superposed on the same region. “Superimposition” means literally overlapping. In this specification, even if a certain foundation structure and another foundation structure are provided on other optical surfaces, or even if a certain foundation structure and another foundation structure are on the same optical surface, they are different areas. In the case where there is no overlapping region, it is not superposition in this specification.

  At least a first optical path difference providing structure is provided in the central region of the objective lens. In addition, at least the second optical path difference providing structure and the third optical path difference providing structure are provided so as to overlap each other in the peripheral region of the objective lens.

  Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the first light source is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure of the objective lens, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light amount is M, and the first Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam having the wavelength λ2 from the second light source is incident on the optical path difference providing structure, N is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity. At least one of M, N, and O when the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted light generated when the third light beam having the wavelength λ3 from the third light source is incident is O. Is positive and at least one of M, N, O is negative. The first optical path difference providing structure is preferably a structure for compatibility between different optical disks.

Examples of preferable combinations of M, N, and O include the following.
(M, N, O) = (+ 1, -1, -2), (+1, -2, -3), (+1, -1, -1)

  Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the first light source is incident on the second optical path difference providing structure of the objective lens, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is P, and the second Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam having the wavelength λ2 from the second light source is incident on the optical path difference providing structure, P ≠ Q, where Q is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity. is there. This second optical path difference providing structure is also preferably a structure for compatibility with different optical disks.

  At this time, it is more preferable that P = M and Q = N.

  The third optical path difference providing structure of the objective lens is a diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity among the diffracted lights generated when the first light beam having the wavelength λ1 from the first light source is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure. The diffraction order is R, and the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted light generated when the second light beam with the wavelength λ2 from the second light source is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure is S. When the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted lights generated when the third light beam having the wavelength λ3 from the third light source is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure is expressed as R = 0, S = 0, T = ± 1. This third optical path difference providing structure is a structure for flare out of the third light flux. The third light flux that has passed through the third optical path difference providing structure is not condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc.

  When the objective lens is a plastic lens, in addition to the optical path difference providing structure described above, an optical path difference providing structure for correcting temperature characteristics for correcting a change in spherical aberration that occurs when the temperature changes is provided in the central region and the peripheral region. It may be provided in at least one of the region and the most peripheral region. For example, it is an optical path difference providing structure that has a function of making spherical aberration under when the temperature of the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source increases when the temperature rises. As a result, it is possible to compensate for the over-spherical aberration accompanying the decrease in the refractive index of the plastic when the temperature rises, and it becomes possible to obtain a good spherical aberration.

  Further, the first optical path difference providing structure provided in the central area of the objective lens, and the second optical path difference providing structure and the third optical path difference providing structure provided in the peripheral area of the objective lens are provided on different optical surfaces of the objective lens. However, they are preferably provided on the same optical surface. Providing them on the same optical surface is preferable because it makes it possible to reduce eccentricity errors during manufacturing. The optical path difference providing structure is preferably provided on the light source side surface of the objective lens rather than the surface of the objective lens on the optical disc side.

  The objective lens collects the first light flux, the second light flux, and the third light flux that pass through the central region of the objective lens so as to form a condensed spot. In addition, when the thickness t1 of the protective substrate of the first optical disc is different from the thickness t2 of the protective substrate of the second optical disc, the first optical path difference providing structure includes the first light flux that has passed through the first optical path difference providing structure and With respect to the second light beam, spherical aberration generated due to the difference between the thickness t1 of the protective substrate of the first optical disk and the thickness t2 of the protective substrate of the second optical disk and / or the difference between the wavelengths of the first light beam and the second light beam. It is preferable to correct the generated spherical aberration. Further, the first optical path difference providing structure has a thickness t1 of the protective substrate of the first optical disc and a protective substrate of the third optical disc with respect to the first and third light fluxes that have passed through the first optical path difference providing structure. It is preferable to correct spherical aberration generated due to a difference from the thickness t3 and / or spherical aberration generated due to a difference in wavelength between the first light flux and the third light flux.

  The objective lens condenses the first light flux and the second light flux that pass through the peripheral area of the objective lens so as to form a condensing spot. Further, when the thickness t1 of the protective substrate of the first optical disc and the thickness t2 of the protective substrate of the second optical disc are different, the second optical path difference providing structure includes the first light flux that has passed through the second optical path difference providing structure and With respect to the second light beam, spherical aberration generated due to the difference between the thickness t1 of the protective substrate of the first optical disk and the thickness t2 of the protective substrate of the second optical disk and / or the difference between the wavelengths of the first light beam and the second light beam. It is preferable to correct the generated spherical aberration.

  In addition, as a preferable mode, a mode in which the third light flux that has passed through the third optical path difference providing structure in the peripheral region is not used for recording and / or reproduction of the third optical disc can be cited. It is preferable that the third light flux that has passed through the peripheral region does not contribute to the formation of a focused spot on the information recording surface of the third optical disc. That is, the third light flux that passes through the peripheral area of the objective lens preferably forms a flare on the information recording surface of the third optical disc. In the spot formed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc by the third light flux that has passed through the objective lens, the spot center portion having a high light amount density and the light amount density in order from the optical axis side (or the spot center portion) to the outside. It has a spot middle part lower than the spot center part and a spot peripheral part whose light intensity is higher than the spot middle part and lower than the spot center part. The center portion of the spot is used for recording and / or reproducing information on the optical disc, and the spot intermediate portion and the spot peripheral portion are not used for recording and / or reproducing information on the optical disc. In the above, this spot peripheral part is called flare. That is, the third light flux that has passed through the third optical path difference providing structure in the peripheral region of the objective lens forms a spot peripheral portion on the information recording surface of the third optical disc. In the second light flux that has passed through the objective lens, it is preferable that the spot formed on the information recording surface of the second optical disc has a spot central portion, a spot intermediate portion, and a spot peripheral portion.

  According to the present embodiment, the third optical path difference providing structure is provided such that the third light flux that has passed through the peripheral region forms a flare on the information recording surface of the third optical disc.

  When the objective lens has the outermost peripheral region, the objective lens condenses the first light flux passing through the outermost peripheral region of the objective lens so that information can be recorded and / or reproduced on the information recording surface of the first optical disc. To do. Further, it is preferable that the spherical aberration of the first light flux that has passed through the most peripheral area is corrected during recording and / or reproduction of the first optical disk.

In a preferred embodiment, the second light flux that has passed through the outermost peripheral area is not used for recording and / or reproduction of the second optical disk, and the third light flux that has passed through the outermost peripheral area is recorded and / or recorded on the third optical disk. An embodiment that is not used for reproduction is included. It is preferable that the second light flux and the third light flux that have passed through the outermost peripheral region do not contribute to the formation of a condensed spot on the information recording surfaces of the second optical disc and the third optical disc, respectively. That is, when the objective lens has the outermost peripheral region, the third light flux that passes through the outermost peripheral region of the objective lens preferably forms a flare on the information recording surface of the third optical disc. In other words, it is preferable that the third light flux that has passed through the outermost peripheral region of the objective lens forms a spot peripheral portion on the information recording surface of the third optical disc. Further, when the objective lens has the outermost peripheral region, the second light flux passing through the outermost peripheral region of the objective lens preferably forms a flare on the information recording surface of the second optical disc. In other words, the second light flux that has passed through the outermost peripheral region of the objective lens preferably forms a spot peripheral portion on the information recording surface of the second optical disc.

  When the objective lens is a plastic lens, the most peripheral region preferably has an optical path difference providing structure. When the objective lens is a lens made of a glass lens or an athermal resin, the outermost peripheral region has an optical path difference providing structure. It is preferable that only the refracting surface be used.

  Moreover, when designing the optical element according to the present invention, a ring zone with a small pitch width may occur. The pitch width refers to the width in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical element having an annular structure and an optical path difference providing structure.

  As a result of diligent research, the present inventor has found that if this annular zone is less than 5 μm, even if this annular zone is cut or filled, the optical performance is not greatly affected. That is, when the pitch width is less than 5 μm, even if the ring zone with this small pitch width is cut, the optical performance is not greatly affected.

  Further, from the viewpoint of facilitating the manufacture of the mold and improving the transferability of the mold, it is preferable that the pitch width of the step is not too small. Accordingly, when an optical path difference providing structure is designed, if an annular zone having a pitch width of less than 5 μm is generated, the annular zone having a pitch width of less than 5 μm is removed to obtain a final optical path difference providing structure. Things are preferable. If the annular zone with a pitch width of less than 5 μm is convex, it can be removed by shaving the annular zone. If the annular zone with a pitch width of less than 5 μm is concave, it can be removed by filling the annular zone. That's fine.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the pitch width of the optical path difference providing structure is 5 μm or more.

  Further, from the viewpoint that it is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing that the number of elongated ring zones is small, the value of (step amount / pitch width) is preferably 1 or less, more preferably 0 in all the ring zones of the optical path difference providing structure. .8 or less. More preferably, the value of (step difference / pitch width) is preferably 1 or less, and more preferably 0.8 or less, in all annular zones of all optical path difference providing structures.

  The objective-side numerical aperture of the objective lens necessary for reproducing and / or recording information on the first optical disk is NA1, and the objective lens necessary for reproducing and / or recording information on the second optical disk The image-side numerical aperture is NA2 (NA1 ≧ NA2), and the image-side numerical aperture of the objective lens necessary for reproducing and / or recording information on the third optical disk is NA3 (NA2> NA3). NA1 is preferably 0.8 or more and 0.9 or less, or preferably 0.55 or more and 0.7 or less. In particular, NA1 is preferably 0.85. NA2 is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.7 or less. In particular, NA2 is preferably 0.60. NA3 is preferably 0.4 or more and 0.55 or less. In particular, NA3 is preferably 0.45 or 0.53.

  The boundary between the central region and the peripheral region of the objective lens is 0.9 · NA3 or more and 1.2 · NA3 or less (more preferably 0.95 · NA3 or more, 1.15 · NA3) when the third light flux is used. It is preferably formed in a portion corresponding to the following range. More preferably, the boundary between the central region and the peripheral region of the objective lens is formed in a portion corresponding to NA3. The boundary between the peripheral area and the most peripheral area of the objective lens is 0.9 · NA 2 or more and 1.2 · NA 2 or less (more preferably 0.95 · NA 2 or more, 1. 15 · NA2 or less) is preferable. More preferably, the boundary between the peripheral region and the most peripheral region of the objective lens is formed in a portion corresponding to NA2. The outer boundary of the outermost periphery of the objective lens is 0.9 · NA1 or more and 1.2NA1 or less (more preferably 0.95 · NA1 or more and 1.15 · NA1 or less) when the first light beam is used. It is preferably formed in a portion corresponding to the range. More preferably, the outer boundary of the outermost periphery of the objective lens is formed in a portion corresponding to NA1.

  When the third light flux that has passed through the objective lens is condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc, it is preferable that the spherical aberration has at least one discontinuous portion. In that case, the discontinuous portion has a range of 0.9 · NA 3 or more and 1.2 · NA 3 or less (more preferably 0.95 · NA 3 or more and 1.15 · NA 3 or less) when the third light flux is used. It is preferable that it exists in. Also, when the second light flux that has passed through the objective lens is condensed on the information recording surface of the second optical disk, it is preferable that the spherical aberration has at least one discontinuous portion. In that case, the discontinuous portion is in a range of 0.9 · NA 2 or more and 1.2 · NA 2 or less (more preferably 0.95 · NA 2 or more and 1.1 · NA 2 or less) when the second light flux is used. It is preferable that it exists in.

  In addition, when spherical aberration is continuous and does not have a discontinuous portion and the third light flux that has passed through the objective lens is condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disk, NA2 It is preferable that the absolute value of the spherical aberration is 0.03 μm or more, and in NA3, the absolute value of the longitudinal spherical aberration is 0.02 μm or less. More preferably, in NA2, the absolute value of longitudinal spherical aberration is 0.08 μm or more, and in NA3, the absolute value of longitudinal spherical aberration is 0.01 μm or less. Further, when the second light flux that has passed through the objective lens is condensed on the information recording surface of the second optical disk, the absolute value of the longitudinal spherical aberration is 0.03 μm or more at NA1, and the longitudinal spherical aberration is at NA2. The absolute value is preferably 0.005 μm or less.

  An optical disk drive device having the above-described optical pickup device can be incorporated into the optical information recording / reproducing device.

  Here, the optical disk drive apparatus provided in the optical information recording / reproducing apparatus will be described. The optical disk drive apparatus can hold an optical disk mounted from the optical information recording / reproducing apparatus main body containing the optical pickup apparatus or the like. There are a system in which only the tray is taken out and a system in which the optical disk drive apparatus main body in which the optical pickup device or the like is stored is taken out.

  An optical information recording / reproducing apparatus using each of the above-described methods is generally equipped with the following components, but is not limited thereto. An optical pickup device housed in a housing or the like, a drive source of an optical pickup device such as a seek motor that moves the optical pickup device together with the housing toward the inner periphery or outer periphery of the optical disc, and the optical pickup device housing the inner periphery or outer periphery of the optical disc These include a transfer means of an optical pickup device having a guide rail or the like that guides toward the head, a spindle motor that rotates the optical disk, and the like.

  In addition to these components, the former method is provided with a tray that can be held in a state in which an optical disk is mounted and a loading mechanism for sliding the tray, and the latter method has no tray and loading mechanism. It is preferable that each component is provided in a drawer corresponding to a chassis that can be pulled out to the outside.

  According to the present invention, one optical pickup device is provided for three different types of optical disks (for example, a high-density optical disk using a blue-violet laser light source and three optical disks of DVD and CD) with a simple and low-cost configuration. The information can be recorded and / or reproduced in a compatible manner. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an optical pickup device and an objective lens capable of appropriately recording and / or reproducing information on three different types of optical disks using a single plastic objective lens. Become.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical pickup apparatus PU1 of the present embodiment that can appropriately record and / or reproduce information on BD, DVD, and CD, which are different optical disks. Such an optical pickup device PU1 can be mounted on an optical information recording / reproducing device. Here, the first optical disc is a BD, the second optical disc is a DVD, and the third optical disc is a CD. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

  The optical pickup device PU1 emits a 405 nm laser light beam (first light beam) that is emitted when information is recorded / reproduced with respect to the objective lens OBJ, stop ST, collimating lens CL, dichroic prism PPS, and BD. It includes a semiconductor laser LD1 (first light source), a first light receiving element PD1 that receives a reflected light beam from the information recording surface RL1 of the BD, a laser module LM, and the like.

  The laser module LM also emits a 658 nm laser beam (second beam) when recording / reproducing information on a DVD and emits a 658 nm laser beam (second beam), and a CD. A third semiconductor laser EP2 (third light source) that emits a 785 nm laser beam (third beam) when recording / reproducing information and a second beam that receives a reflected beam from the information recording surface RL2 of the DVD. Light receiving element DS1, a third light receiving element DS2 that receives a reflected light beam from the information recording surface RL3 of the CD, and a prism PS.

  The objective lens OBJ of the present embodiment is a single lens made of a polyolefin-based plastic. Depending on the type of light beam passing therethrough, as shown in FIG. It can be divided into a peripheral area MD and a peripheral area OT around it.

  A first optical path difference providing structure is formed in the central region of the optical surface on the light source side (or on the optical disc side). Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is defined as M. Of the diffracted light generated when the second light flux having the wavelength λ2 from the laser module LM is incident on the optical path difference providing structure, N is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity. Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux of wavelength λ3 from the module LM is incident, when the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is O, (M, N, O) = (+ 1 , -1, -2). Furthermore, in addition to the first optical path difference providing structure, an optical path difference providing structure for correcting temperature characteristics is superimposed on the central region. Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 is incident on the optical path difference providing structure for temperature characteristic correction, the diffracted light quantity of the 10th order diffracted light is maximized. Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam having the wavelength λ2 from the laser module LM is incident on the difference providing structure, the diffracted light amount of the sixth-order diffracted light is maximized. Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux having the wavelength λ3 is incident, the diffracted light quantity of the fifth-order diffracted light is maximized.

  In the peripheral region, the second optical path difference providing structure and the third optical path difference providing structure are formed so as to overlap each other. Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux having the wavelength λ1 is incident on the second optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is P, and the second optical path difference providing structure has a wavelength. Of the diffracted light generated when the second light flux of λ2 is incident, P = + 1 and Q = −1, where Q is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light.

  Furthermore, the third optical path difference providing structure has a maximum diffracted light quantity among the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure. The diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity among the diffracted lights generated when the second light flux of wavelength λ2 from the laser module LM is incident on this optical path difference providing structure is set to 0. Is set to 0, and the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity among the diffracted lights generated when the third light flux with the wavelength λ3 from the laser module LM enters the optical path difference providing structure is ± 1.

  Further, in addition to the second and third optical path difference providing structures, an optical path difference providing structure for correcting temperature characteristics is superimposed on the peripheral region. Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 is incident on the optical path difference providing structure for temperature characteristic correction, the diffracted light quantity of the 10th order diffracted light is maximized. Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam having the wavelength λ2 from the laser module LM is incident on the difference providing structure, the diffracted light quantity of the sixth-order diffracted light is maximized, and this optical path difference providing structure is supplied from the laser module LM. Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux having the wavelength λ3 is incident, the diffracted light quantity of the fifth-order diffracted light is maximized.

An optical path difference providing structure for correcting temperature characteristics is provided in the most peripheral region. Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux of wavelength λ1 from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 is incident on the optical path difference providing structure for temperature characteristic correction, the diffracted light quantity of the 10th order diffracted light is maximized. Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam having the wavelength λ2 from the laser module LM is incident on the difference providing structure, the diffracted light quantity of the sixth-order diffracted light is maximized, and this optical path difference providing structure is supplied from the laser module LM. Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux having the wavelength λ3 is incident, the diffracted light quantity of the fifth-order diffracted light is maximized.

  The divergent light beam of the first light beam (λ1 = 405 nm) emitted from the blue-violet semiconductor laser LD1 passes through the dichroic prism PPS and is converted into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens CL, and then the light beam diameter is regulated by the stop ST. It becomes a spot formed on the information recording surface RL1 of the BD through the protective substrate PL1 having a thickness of 0.0875 mm by the objective lens OBJ.

  The reflected light beam modulated by the information pits on the information recording surface RL1 is transmitted again through the objective lens OBJ and the aperture stop ST, then converged by the collimating lens CL, and transmitted through the dichroic prism PPS, and then the first light receiving element. It converges on the light receiving surface of PD1. Then, by using the output signal of the first light receiving element PD1 to focus or track the objective lens OBJ by the biaxial actuator AC, it is possible to read information recorded on the BD.

  The divergent light beam of the second light beam (λ2 = 658 nm) emitted from the red semiconductor laser EP1 is reflected by the prism PS, is then reflected by the dichroic prism PPS, is converted to a finite divergent light beam by the collimator lens CL, and then the objective lens. Incident on OBJ. Here, the light beam condensed by the central region and the peripheral region of the objective lens OBJ (the light beam that has passed through the most peripheral region is flared and forms a spot peripheral part) is passed through the protective substrate PL2 having a thickness of 0.6 mm. Thus, the spot is formed on the information recording surface RL2 of the DVD, and the center of the spot is formed.

  The reflected light beam modulated by the information pits on the information recording surface RL2 is again transmitted through the objective lens OBJ and the aperture stop ST, then becomes a convergent light beam by the collimator lens CL, reflected by the dichroic prism PPS, and thereafter in the prism. And then converges on the second light receiving element DS1. The information recorded on the DVD can be read using the output signal of the second light receiving element DS1.

  The divergent light beam of the third light beam (λ3 = 785 nm) emitted from the infrared semiconductor laser EP2 is reflected by the prism PS, then reflected by the dichroic prism PPS, converted to a finite divergent light beam by the collimator lens CL, and then the objective. The light enters the lens OBJ. Here, the light beam collected by the central region of the objective lens OBJ becomes a spot formed on the information recording surface RL3 of the CD via the protective substrate PL3 having a thickness of 1.2 mm. The light beam outside the central region is shielded by a dichroic filter (not shown) disposed in front of the objective lens OBJ and does not enter the peripheral region and the most peripheral region of the objective lens OBJ.

  The reflected light beam modulated by the information pits on the information recording surface RL3 is again transmitted through the objective lens OBJ and the aperture stop ST, then becomes a convergent light beam by the collimating lens CL, reflected by the dichroic prism PPS, and then in the prism. And then converges on the third light receiving element DS2. The information recorded on the CD can be read using the output signal of the third light receiving element DS2.

<Example>
Next, examples that can be used in the above-described embodiment will be described. Table 1 shows lens data of this example. FIGS. 3 to 5 show longitudinal spherical aberration diagrams of the objective lens according to this example when using BD, DVD, and CD, respectively. In the following (including the lens data in the table), a power of 10 (for example, 2.5 × 10 ⁻³ ) is represented by using E (for example, 2.5E-3).

  The optical surface of the objective optical element is formed as an aspherical surface that is axisymmetric about the optical axis and is defined by a mathematical formula in which the coefficients shown in Table 1 are substituted into Equation (1).

Here, X (h) is an axis in the optical axis direction (the light traveling direction is positive), κ is a conical coefficient, A _2i is an aspherical coefficient, and h is a height from the optical axis.

  Further, the optical path length given to the light flux of each wavelength by the optical path difference providing structure is defined by a mathematical formula obtained by substituting the coefficient shown in Table 1 into the optical path difference function of Formula 2.

λ is the wavelength of the incident light beam, λB is the manufacturing wavelength (blazed wavelength), dor is the diffraction order, and B _2i is the coefficient of the optical path difference function.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the third optical path difference providing structure can flare the light beam having the wavelength λ3. Occurrence can be suppressed.

It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of the optical pick-up apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of an objective lens. It is a longitudinal spherical aberration diagram at the time of BD use of the objective lens concerning a present Example. It is a longitudinal spherical aberration diagram at the time of DVD use of the objective lens according to the present example. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal spherical aberration diagram of the objective lens according to the present embodiment when a CD is used, and the characteristics when a flare out structure is not provided are indicated by dotted lines.

Explanation of symbols

AC biaxial actuator PPS dichroic prism CL collimating lens LD1 blue-violet semiconductor laser LM laser module OBJ objective lens PL1 protective substrate PL2 protective substrate PL3 protective substrate PU1 optical pickup device RL1 information recording surface RL2 information recording surface RL3 information recording surface

Claims (8)

A focused spot is formed on the information recording surface of the first optical disc having the protective layer having a thickness t1 using the first light flux having the wavelength λ1 emitted from the first light source, and the wavelength λ2 emitted from the second light source. A wavelength emitted from the third light source by forming a condensing spot on the information recording surface of the second optical disc having a protective layer having a thickness of t2 (t1 ≦ t2) using the second light flux of (λ1 <λ2). An optical pickup device having an objective lens for forming a focused spot on an information recording surface of a third optical disk having a protective layer having a thickness of t3 (t2 <t3) using a third light flux of λ3 (λ2 <λ3) In the objective lens of
The optical surface of the objective lens has at least a ring-shaped central region including an optical axis, and a ring-shaped peripheral region formed around the central region,
The first light flux that has passed through the central area and the peripheral area is condensed on the information recording surface of the first optical disc,
The second light flux that has passed through the central area and the peripheral area is condensed on the information recording surface of the second optical disc,
The third light flux that has passed through the central region is condensed on the information recording surface of the third optical disc,
A first optical path difference providing structure is formed in the central region, and has a maximum amount of diffracted light among the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure. The diffraction order of the diffracted light is M, and among the diffracted lights generated when the second light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the largest amount of diffracted light is N, and Of the diffracted light generated when the third light flux is incident on the first optical path difference providing structure, when the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is O, at least one of M, N, and O One is positive, and at least one of M, N, and O is negative, and in the peripheral region, a second optical path difference providing structure and a third optical path difference providing structure are formed to overlap each other. And
Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the second optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is P, and the second optical path difference providing structure has the Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam is incident, P ≠ Q, where Q is the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light.
The objective lens according to claim 3, wherein the third optical path difference providing structure has a function of flaring when the third light beam enters.   The objective lens according to claim 1, wherein M = + 1, N = −1, and O = −2.   The objective lens according to claim 1, wherein M = + 1, N = −2, and O = −3.   The objective lens according to claim 1, wherein M = + 1, N = −1, and O = −1.   Of the diffracted light generated when the first light flux is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum diffracted light quantity is R, and the third optical path difference providing structure has the Of the diffracted light generated when the second light beam is incident, the diffraction order of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light is S, and the light beam is generated when the third light beam is incident on the third optical path difference providing structure. 5. The diffraction light of the diffracted light having the maximum amount of diffracted light, where T is the diffraction order, R = 0, S = 0, and T = ± 1. Objective lens described in 1.   The objective lens according to claim 1, wherein M = P and N = Q.   The outermost peripheral area is formed around the peripheral area, and the first light flux that has passed through the outermost peripheral area is condensed on an information recording surface of the first optical disc. The objective lens in any one of 1-6.   An optical pickup device comprising the objective lens according to claim 1.

Images