Write-once optical data storage media with large reflectance change with metal-island films

Abstract

Gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al) island films have been investigated for write-once optical data storage media with the high reflectance and the large reflectance changes induced by laser irradiation. We show that, of the four, the Ag and the Cu island films are the most useful as WO media at 800 nm. The Al island films are useful for a shorter wavelength region. The optical and structural changes in laser-written regions on the island films have also been investigated experimentally. It appears that the metal-island films show great potential as optical data storage media for compact-disk-compatible write-once optical disks.

Polymer Films with Embedded Metal Nanoparticles

“…with a view to creating optical data storage media [526] or to fabricate almost mono disperse metal nanoparticles [527,528] or to change the particle size and shape in limited spot area only [244,529,530]. 4.3, optical spectral data confirm the presumption that laser irradiation does not substantially affect the polymer matrix.…”

Local adjustment of the optical properties of metal island films by means of a laser

“…Since thermally induced spectral changes have been observed for copper and gold films as well 6 , it can be assumed that their optical properties can be adjusted by means of a laser, too. This technique works best for metal island films close to the percolation threshold.…”