Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patterned data/information storage and retrieval medium in the form of an annular disk having an outer diameter, a central opening defining an inner diameter, and opposed first and second major surfaces, the method comprising inserting a smaller diameter cylindrical shaft of a stamping/imprinting tool in the central opening and biasing the inner diameter of the disk into contact with the cylindrical shaft at a pre-selected location along the inner diameter of said disk during stamping/imprinting of a pre-selected pattern such as a servo pattern in at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the disk, the biasing creating a space between the inner diameter of the disk and the surface of the cylindrical shaft which has a maximum width at a location diametrically opposite said pre-selected location.

Abstract: A method of performing dip coating of a layer of a resist material on a surface of a substrate, comprising steps of:

Abstract: In a disk replicating assembly, a blank disk is attached to one platen and a stamper is attached to the other platen. Pressure is applied so that the two platens are forced together, thereby transferring features from the stamper to the disk. A ball joint is located between a platen and the pressure train of the replicating assembly. Due to the ball joint at this location, the resulting pressure gradient when the stamper and disk are pressed together causes the one platen to swivel such that it orients itself substantially parallel to the other platen. Because the resistance of the ball joint is selected so that the one platen is able to pivot before the stamper significantly affects the disk, the fine features of the stamper are not transferred to the disk until the platens are in parallel alignment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patterned data/information storage and retrieval medium in the form of an annular disk having an outer diameter, a central opening defining an inner diameter, and opposed first and second major surfaces, the method including inserting a smaller diameter cylindrical shaft of a stamping/imprinting tool in the central opening and biasing the inner diameter of the disk into contact with the cylindrical shaft at a pre-selected location along the inner diameter of the disk during stamping/imprinting of a pre-selected pattern such as a servo pattern in at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the disk, the biasing creating a space between the inner diameter of the disk and the surface of the cylindrical shaft which has a maximum width at a location diametrically opposite the pre-selected location.

Abstract: A method of performing dip coating of a layer of a resist material on a surface of a substrate, comprising steps of: (a) providing a dip coating vessel having an interior space containing a dip coating liquid comprising a solution of the resist material in a solvent, the dip coating vessel being open at the top thereof; (b) providing a substrate having a surface, immersing the substrate in the dip coating liquid in the vessel via the open top, and withdrawing the substrate from the vessel via the open top thereof, thereby forming a layer of resist material on the surface; and (c) monitoring and maintaining the viscosity of the dip coating liquid supplied to the dip coating vessel at a predetermined value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.