Error management in optical disk recording

The observed raw bit error rate of typical recordable optical storage media, is in the range of 10/sup -4/ to 10/sup -6/ errors/bit. The error rate increases by two or three times as the media ages and the disk becomes contaminated with dust particles and others airborne debris. To provide a corrected error rate to the user, in excess of 10/sup -12/, it is necessary for an optical storage system to utilize a multiple-level error management scheme. The techniques that are used to meet the corrected error rate goals of such a system with a minimum of overhead in excess of the user data are outlined.<>