The Development of Laser Diodes at Sony

Describes the early development of laser diodes for CD players by Sony, mainly focusing on the time period from 1977 to 1982. (The case includes data through 1994, however.) Although laser diodes were invented by one group of firms, the technology was appropriated and mass-produced by a different group of firms including Sony. Can be used to illustrate how external nascent technologies are assessed, captured, and finally transferred to product development and manufacturing. Can also be used to distinguish the roles of development and applied research.