Theoretical Modeling, Calculations And Experiments Characterizing The Laser-Induced Hole-Formation Mechanism Of An In-Contact Overcoated Optical Disk Medium

The objective of this paper is to describe in general terms the physics surrounding the formation of an optical hole in a recording medium which is in intimate contact with an overcoat. The major thrust of this work involves the estimation of the thermal situation at the time of hole formation by the calculation of the temperature profile on the medium surface. Specific estimates of the activation temperature will be compared to experimental data gathered on read/write test equipment. Additionally, the optical properties of the resulting pit will be explored using calculations to estimate the pit reflectivity. The optical calculations are supported by experimental data from a read/write device. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to study the morphology of written holes and to elucidate the hole formation mechanism.