Calculation of focal positions in an optical head for parallel data processing with a monolithic four-beam laser diode.

A method for calculating focal positions in a multibeam optical head by use of a multibeam laser diode, in which conditions for misalignment of the light source are taken into consideration, is introduced. One calculates the focal positions by using the practical characteristics of a monolithic four-beam laser diode and the practical specifications of the optics in an optical head. The results show that each focal position is defocused mainly as a result of curvature of the fields of the lenses. The adaptability of focal positions for various calculated conditions is discussed from the standpoint of depth of focus.