DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 27 -- Cree Inc. said its 405-nm, 3-mW blue laser diodes have exhibited a projected lifetime exceeding 10,000 hours at room temperature. The company started sampling its laser diodes in December 2001, and evaluation is underway at major electronics DVD manufacturers. The company said the laser diodes under development will have specifications suitable for the recently announced uniform standards for the next-generation optical disc format designed to succeed the DVD. Chuck Swoboda, president and CEO, said, "This is one of the most significant achievements in the history of the company. We have accelerated our blue laser diode development and continue to target a product launch by the end of this fiscal year. We believe these diodes will meet the uniform standards being formulated and look forward to participating in the exciting new optical disc applications under development."