We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: The Inner Workings of CD/DVD Drives
 University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
So as you have seen, our apparently simple CD/DVD drives are remarkably clever and complex mechanical and optical assemblies.

It is even more impressive that all of the optical components have been miniaturized so that they fit into much less than a half cubic centimeter of volume!

To see for yourself, take apart the next CD/DVD drive that you discard (we pulled apart several old drives researching this presentation!).
 
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