We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: The Inner Workings of CD/DVD Drives
 University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
To do this, the lens is built into a square holder suspended by four wire springs.

Then, around the edge of the holder, wire is wrapped to form an electromagnet. As electrical current is fed to this electromagnet, it will be pulled upward toward the iron "pole pieces" to its left and right.

The trick is to figure out when we need the lens to move up and down - and how much it should move!
 
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