May 2008

Interview with Herbert Fuss responsible for the optical data storage segment at Bayer MaterialScience

It takes place this year in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, from May 6 to 8. One of more than 100 exhibitors is Bayer MaterialScience AG, a leading manufacturer of raw materials for optical discs. Herbert Fuss, who is responsible for the optical data storage market in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, has accompanied the evolution of this medium for many years. Fuss knows all there is to know about the current state of the art and future trends.

Question: Earlier this year, after a lengthy battle, the Blu-ray Disc won out over the high density (HD) DVD as the successor to the DVD. What impact will this decision have on Bayer MaterialScience?

Answer: In recent years, we have been involved in developing both Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs. So, we can meet the demands of both formats, not only with continuously improved formulations for our high-tech material Makrolon®, but also with permanently optimized processes for polycarbonate manufacture. In other words, we are best-prepared for Blu-ray. As one of the few polycarbonate suppliers, we can provide raw materials for all the disc formats. Our customers benefit from our global production network. We have manufacturing locations for optical media in Europe, Asia and America – a fact that makes us unique in the industry.

Question: How does a development process of this kind work?

Answer: We entered into partnerships with the developers of the new formats at an early stage. Global research and development projects with plastics processors and even with consumer product manufacturers are nothing new for Bayer MaterialScience. For optical media, for example, we can rely on our established Optical Disc Labs. Located in Leverkusen and Shanghai, they make it possible for us to collaborate with customers, offer technical service and conduct our own research and development projects. In addition, they are equipped for mass production, sophisticated testing and extensive chemical and physical analysis.

Question: Is the Blu-ray Disc the ultimate in optical data storage, or do you still see room for advancement?

Answer: At Bayer MaterialScience, we are concerned with more than just the polycarbonate for the discs. For instance, our researchers also engineer special coatings for the substrate material, which enable the use of innovative objective lenses for the associated read/write devices. In the process, they work very closely with Sony in Japan. You have to remember that the lens directs the laser beam onto the disc. Because the data tracks are packed together so tightly, the goal is to focus the lens on an ever smaller surface area. In the future, instead of being one millimeter from the surface of the disc, the lens may only be 20 nanometers away! Our coatings for the substrate material make sure the laser beam can read the stored data accurately even in these dimensions.

Question: Mr. Fuss, this year's MEDIA-TECH is your last event. You will retire at the end of 2008. What are some of your personal insights?

Answer: The optical data storage segment has always been an exciting business for me with numerous challenges and highlights. Last year for example, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the CD. Polycarbonate, the base material for this entirely novel and world-changing technology, was supplied by Bayer right from the very beginning! Over the years I have had the privilege of working with many interesting people, who requested our help and our Makrolon® in making their visions a reality. I always enjoyed the ongoing, trust-based project work all around the globe. I know that our customers are in good hands with my successors, Dr. Wilfried Haese for the Middle East and Africa, and Norbert Schniesko for Western Europe and Latin America. They will ensure a smooth transition and undoubtedly help to launch a number of sensational developments.

For more information visit www.bayermaterialscience.com.