Abstract: A recordable data storage disc comprises a substrate having a spirally or concentrically shaped groove pattern. A groove depth of the groove pattern is greater than 90 nanometers, and a track pitch provided by the groove pattern is less than 500 nanometers. The data storage disc further comprises a write-once recording layer formed on the groove pattern, and a reflector layer formed on the recording layer opposite the substrate. The groove depth of greater than 90 nanometers allows a thicker coating of dye to be used for the recording layer compared to other recordable data storage discs with a groove pattern with a groove depth of 90 nanometers or less. The thicker coating of dye allows a lower write power, better modulation when reading a data signal from the disc. The groove depth of greater than 90 nanometers may also allow for more precise push-pull tracking.

Abstract: The invention presents techniques for marking data storage media and responding to disturbances in the marking process. In one embodiment, the invention presents a system that uses a laser to emit a beam to ablate physical marks in a data storage medium. The system includes a sensor such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the position of the data storage medium and to generate a position signal as a function of the position of the data storage medium. An optical device, controlled by an actuator, directs the beam from the laser to an ablation site on the data storage medium as a function of the position signal.

Abstract: The position of one or both edges of tape, such as magnetic tape, can be determined using a light source, such as a solid-state laser with a collimated beam, and a detector, such as a photodiode. The tape, by blocking a portion of the light, affects the amount of light reaching the detector. The detector generates signals as a function of the position of the tape. In the case of two detectors cooperating to measure the positions of opposing edges of the tape, the signals from the detectors may be processed to produce at least four useful signals, including a signal that is a function of the tape width and a signal that is a function of the position of the tape centroid.

Abstract: The invention presents techniques for marking data storage media and responding to disturbances in the marking process. In one embodiment, the invention presents a system that uses a laser to emit a beam to ablate physical marks in a data storage medium. The system includes a sensor such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the position of the data storage medium and to generate a position signal as a function of the position of the data storage medium. An optical device, controlled by an actuator, directs the beam from the laser to an ablation site on the data storage medium as a function of the position signal.

Abstract: The position of one or both edges of tape, such as magnetic tape, can be determined using a light source, such as a solid-state laser with a collimated beam, and a detector, such as a photodiode. The tape, by blocking a portion of the light, affects the amount of light reaching the detector. The detector generates signals as a function of the position of the tape. In the case of two detectors cooperating to measure the positions of opposing edges of the tape, the signals from the detectors may be processed to produce at least four useful signals, including a signal that is a function of the tape width and a signal that is a function of the position of the tape centroid.

Abstract: A zoned inspection system and method produce inspection results consistent with a user's view of an article by transforming parallel, temporal inspection results from multiple detectors into a serial, spatial domain.