Platesetting solution uses novel optical MEMS

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 16, 2002

Dainippon Screen has used the novel Grating Light Valve from Silicon Light Machines in its latest computer-to-plate platesetting solution.

Dainippon Screen has used the novel Grating Light Valve (GLV) from Silicon Light Machines (SLM) in its latest computer-to-plate (CTP) platesetting solution.

Unveiled at IPEX 2002 in Birmingham, UK, Screen's PlateRite Ultima is a multiformat thermal platesetter that enables commercial printers to handle a variety of output formats (from two to 32 pages) with a single piece of equipment.

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

Screen's choice of SLM's patented GLV device demonstrates the significance of this technology in the offset print market.

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

Screen has taken advantage of the extremely fast switching speeds and accurate diffraction control of the GLV device to design a CTP product that offers high throughput and superior image quality - regardless of the project size or format.

"The Screen design win further demonstrates the versatility of our GLV technology", said Tom Werner, CEO of Silicon Light Machines.

"From fibre-optic communications to the high-performance print equipment and high-resolution digital displays, SLM is working with a variety of world-class customers to improve their solutions with state-of-the-art optoelectronics".

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

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

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.