Abstract: A method of writing a mark to an optical disc includes receiving data to be written and generating a control signal for a laser pulse having a melt period that transitions to a growth period wherein the melt period is characterized by a melt power and the growth period is characterized by a growth power.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a gain control signal for a multilevel read signal. In one embodiment, maximum automatic gain control marks are periodically inserted amongst a series of data fields. The automatic gain control marks include a series of high level marks such that the maximum signal detected in the interior portion of each maximum automatic gain control mark is not reduced by intersymbol interference. Minimum automatic gain control marks are also periodically inserted amongst a series of data fields. The automatic gain control marks include a series of high level marks such that the maximum signal detected in the interior portion of each minimum automatic gain control mark is not reduced by intersymbol interference. In another embodiment, multilevel signals are encoded to facilitate automatic gain control. The effect of a plurality of candidate merge symbols on the residual running total power associated with a current data block is determined.