Abstract: An optical recording medium having at least a recording layer 11 and a light transmitting layer 13 formed on a substrate 10, in which the recording layer 11 is made of an organic material for absorbing an incident light of wavelength of 360 nm to 460 nm, and inducing physical change or chemical change to vary the refractive index, the light transmitting layer 13 is 10 &mgr;m to 177 &mgr;m in thickness, the relation between absorption coefficient “k” and pyrolysis temperature Tdec of organic material is

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium, which is for recording and reproduction of information by focusing of light of a wavelength/numerical aperture of about 1000 nm or less, has a light transmitting first dielectric layer having a first surface to which light strikes. A magneto-optical recording layer is formed on a back surface of the first surface of the first dielectric layer. A light transmitting metal layer is formed on the magneto-optical recording layer to a predetermined thickness required for dispersion of heat (about 10 nm or more) from the magneto-optical recording layer and having a larger heat conductivity than the magneto-optical recording layer. A light transmitting second dielectric layer is formed on the light transmitting metal layer. A metal reflective layer is formed on the second dielectric layer and reflects the light.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the thermal properties while maintaining the optical performance index. In the constitution having the light-permeable first dielectric layer, magneto-optical recording layer, light-permeable metal layer 1 nm to 10 nm in thickness and having layer heat diffusion as compared with the magneto-optical recording layer, light-permeable second dielectric layer, and metal reflecting film laminated sequentially from the light incidence side, an appropriate Kerr enhancement effect is obtained, the optical performance index is maintained, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

Abstract: To provide a high density optical recording medium, capable of realizing the complete compatibility with a phase change recording medium with respect to an optical pickup or a drive device, using a short wavelength light for achieving a high recording density. The present invention provides an optical recording medium configuration for directly reading out the change of the reflectance without using the phase modulation method.