Media characterization methods for optical data storage

We have developed a two-laser media tester to investigate the recording dynamics in phase-change (PC), magneto-optical (MO), and dye-polymer disks as well as in other media samples. We have used these and many similar measurements to elucidate the behavior of writable and rewritable media of optical data storage. In addition to gaining insight into the dynamics of crystallization, melting, melt-quenched amorphization, (PC media), and magnetization reversal (MO media), we have used these techniques to extract information about thermal constants of the active layer as well as the encapsulating dielectric and metal layers used in commercial optical disks.