Development of an Optical Disc Recorder
Abstract
A laboratory-prototype, digital, optical disc recorder was developed with a storage capacity of 10 to the 10th power bits. Recording is done by laser machining of micron-sized pits in a thin tellurium film allowing direct-read- after-write (DRAW) of the information. The recording format maps each bit of information to a recorded pit. The tellurium is deposited on a clear plastic disc configured to be self-protecting and easily handled. The major accomplishment was demonstrating the feasibility of an inexpensive recorder and disc suitable for operation in a normal office environment. The key developments were a sensitive recording material, a plastic disc, and a self-protected disc configuration called the 'air sandwich'. Various materials were considered for the disc substrate and its protection; selection was based primarily on macro and microscopic flatness, thickness uniformity, strength, optical properties, adherence of DRAW film, and cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA050784
Entities
People
- Ding Lou
- F. Zernike
- George Kenney
- Jeffrey Wagner
- R. Mcfarlane