Plasmon Data Systems

Plasmon Data Systems N.v.

P a Management Consultants Limited

Plasmon Data Systems, P.v.

Keith Gardner

Robert M Pettigrew

Robert J Longman

Victor C Humberstone

Peter R Helfet

Walter T Welford

A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium comprises an optically sensitive layer at or adjacent to one surface of the medium, said one surface of the medium comprising a plurality of topographical features or structures disposed in a regularly repeating pattern, said pattern being free from undercutting so that the medium can be produced and/or replicated by molding, casting, embossing or similar process against a tool. The optically sensitive layer is preferably overcoated with a thin film of a metallic material which conforms to the topography of said surface.

Optical data storage medium

Interferometers

A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The method for manufacturing a data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation. A tool for use in producing such a data storage medium, and methods of using the tool, are also disclosed. The data storage medium may be prepared in blank form for use as the consumer desires, or it may be prerecorded in part or in entirety.

Method of manufacturing a data storage medium

A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a material which undergoes a large volume change or degradation and has a regular, sinuous textured surface pattern which is free from undercutting. The textured surface pattern is coated with a thin film of platinum or a platinum alloy, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation. A method of storing information on such a data storage medium is also disclosed. The data storage medium may be prepared in blank form for use as the consumer desires, or it may be pre-recorded in part or in entirety.

Data storage medium

Optical data recording using radiation of different characteristics

A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation. A tool for use in producing such a data storage medium, and methods of using the tool, are also disclosed. The data storage medium may be prepared in blank form for use as the consumer desires, or it may be pre-recorded in part or in entirety.

Growing community of inventors

Foxton, United Kingdom

Keith Gardner