Optical recording member

Abstract

A multi-layer optical recording member for use with a recording laser for optical recording and retrieving information thereon, as well as a method of fabricating and using said member is described. The optical recording member comprises in sequential order a structural substrate, a thermally degradable polymer layer, a light absorbing recording layer, a thermally degradable polymer dielectric layer, and a reflective layer. The substrate and the thermally degradable polymer layers are stable under ambient light and temperature conditions and substantially transparent to the recording and reading optical radiation. The combined thicknesses of the light absorbing layer and the dielectric layer are such as to provide anti-reflecting conditionsat the recording wavelength and optical contrast between marked and unmarked areas at the reading wavelength. The optical recording member may be used with a single laser source for both recording and reading. Upon exposure to recording radiation, the portion of the light absorbing layer exposed is heated by the absorbed energy which in turn heats adjacent areas of both thermally degradable polymer layers to a level where at least some polymer decomposition with a consequent evolution of gaseous decomposition products occurs resulting in the formation of a hole in the exposed area of the heat absorbing layer.