Agfa to pioneer use of Grating Light Valve

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 15, 2002

Agfa is to use patented Grating Light Valve (GLV) technology from Silicon Light Machines (SLM) in its next generation of computer-to-plate (CTP) products.

Agfa is to use patented Grating Light Valve (GLV) technology from Silicon Light Machines (SLM) in its next generation of computer-to-plate (CTP) products.

The Agfa Xcalibur 45 - a thermal platesetter that enables commercial printers to produce high quality prints at faster throughput speeds and at lower costs - will be the first CTP solution designed around the GLV technology.

The GLV device is an optical micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) with a variety of applications in the telecommunications and imaging industries.

When used as a spatial light modulator in CTP products, the device diffracts high power laser beams to provide a high-speed, ultra-precise method of transferring digital images directly onto a printing plate.

With extremely fast switching speeds and accurate diffraction control, the GLV device creates a complete "swath" of writing beams on the plate surface - enabling CTP manufacturers to deliver products that offer faster platemaking performance and superior image quality.

"Our customers demand platesetting solutions that deliver continually better images without compromising throughput and reliability", said Dave Costa, vice president of marketing, CTP Equipment of Agfa.

"To meet these requirements, Agfa relies on innovative components like the GLV device, which takes a unique approach to overcome technical hurdles and enables us to offer ground-breaking quality and performance".

The Agfa design win further demonstrates the versatility of SLM's innovative GLV technology.

SLM recently introduced its flagship wavelength management product for the optical communications market - a high-performance dynamic gain equaliser that balances spectral power levels in long-haul optical networks with unprecedented precision.

In addition, SLM has licensed the GLV technology to Sony for use in state-of the art display systems.

"We are pleased that Agfa has selected our Grating Light Valve technology for its next-generation imaging system", said Tom Werner, CEO of Silicon Light Machines.

"Given the breadth of the GLV technology's applicability - from high-performance imaging markets to the fibre-optic communications industry - we look forward to working with other innovative companies that aim to revolutionise their industries as Agfa is doing with the announcement of their Xcalibur 45 product".

Additionally, SLM's GLV technology allows for very tight integration of silicon-based logic and drive circuitry with light switching and routing functions.

These capabilities enable SLM to create cost-effective, high-performance and reliable optical products by leveraging the standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques and facilities of its parent company, Cypress Semiconductor.