Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing an optical information recording medium having a track pitch of 200 to 400 nm and a groove depth of 20 to 150 nm, and being capable of recording and reproducing using a light with a wavelength of 450 nm or less, the method at least comprising: a metal reflective layer forming step for forming a metal reflective layer on a substrate; a recording layer forming step for forming a recording layer of an organic dye type on said metal reflective layer; and a cover layer forming step for forming a cover layer on said recording layer; in this order.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a high density disk and a method of manufacturing the high density disk. The high density is accomplished by narrowing the pitch and increasing the groove depth so as not to sacrifice any desirable features of the high density optical disk medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and systems for manufacturing optical storage media from which information can be read out and/or into which information can be recorded by means of a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an improved optical storage medium which can be obtained with the method and system of the present invention. The optical storage medium comprises various layers (1, 5, 7), wherein at least two of them are bonded by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (4). At least the adhesive layer is cut by means of a laser beam so that the disadvantages of mechanical cutting tools are overcome.

Abstract: A stamper is spin-coated with a 2P resin. A molded substrate having a first recording layer formed thereon is spin-coated with a UV curing adhesive agent. The molded substrate spin-coated with the UV curing adhesive agent and the stamper spin-coated with the 2P resin are pressed and stuck to each other in vacuum and irradiated with UV to harden the adhesive layer and the 2P resin layer. The stamper is peeled off, a second recording layer is formed on the 2P resin layer, and a cover layer is formed on the second recording layer.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide a method of manufacturing an optical disc capable of efficiently manufacturing a high quality optical disc by a consecutive product line, and to improve productivity in an injection molding step. The method is constituted by bonding two disc halves wherein a first disc half storing information therein and molded by a mold of a first injection molding unit and second disc half storing information therein, which information is different from that stored in the first disc half, and molded by a mold of a second injection molding unit are paired with and bonded to each other.

Abstract: A method of making composite discs continuously, including forming for each disc a first, a second layer, and a third support layer, each support layer being disc shaped and having a first surface with information indicia. An information layer is added to each support layers respectively. The said first and third support layers are positioned in a facing relationship, with the first and third information layers being adjacent. The third support layer is then separated from the third information layer, which thus remains attached to the first support layer. The first and second support layers are then joined. These steps are performed on a manufacturing line with conveyor belts transferring the support layers from station to station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data memory (1) comprising an optical information carrier (10), which has polymer film whose refractive index can be locally altered by heating. The optical information carrier (10) is wound on a reel (12) and is disposed for being unwound from the reel (12) in order to read and write information in the area (14) allocated therefor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stamper for optical disc and a method for manufacturing an optical disc by using this stamper. A photoresist is applied to a substrate (2) and this photoresist is exposed, developed and then transferred to form a disc master which has a recess/protrusion pattern formed on its one side. The one side of the disc master (20) is etched to narrow the width of a protruding part constituting the recess/protrusion pattern, and the recess/protrusion pattern of the disc master (20) with the reduced width of the protruding part is transferred to form a stamper (30). The recess/protrusion pattern provided on the stamper (30) is transferred to form a predetermined pattern on a substrate of an optical disc.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, the invention provides one or more processes for making stampers for stamping replica data storage disks. For instance, the invention may provide a process for making a family of stampers from one master. Moreover, the invention may provide a way to systematically adjust the depth of the grooves on a stamper in a particular family of stampers while maintaining groove widths that are substantially the same as those of the master.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical discs and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical disc comprises: at least two plastic substrates comprising a bonding layer and a data layer disposed therebetween, wherein at least one of the substrates is a read side substrate comprising greater than or equal to about 0.05 wt % colorant, based upon the total weight of the read side substrate, and wherein the read side substrate has a UV Bonding Index of greater than or equal to about 0.5. One method for making the optical disc comprises: forming a first plastic substrate comprising greater than or equal to about 0.05 wt % colorant, based upon the total weight of the first plastic substrate, wherein a UV Bonding Index of the first plastic substrate is controlled to be greater than or equal to about 0.5, disposing a data layer between the first plastic substrate and a second substrate, bonding the first plastic substrate to the second plastic substrate with a bonding layer, and curing the bonding layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position.

Abstract: A digital optical information disk contains content and/or non-content information on both sides of a single substrate produced by a process that embosses the surfaces of both sides substantially simultaneously. Simultaneous molding substantially eliminates the need for lamination when two or more data layers are to be provided. Preferably, the disk is relatively small, such as less than 50 mm in diameter and can replicate marks or features with a z-dimension magnitude of about 80 nm or more. The disk remains within a specified opto-mechanical range of an optical transducer and has little, if any, non-planarity (warp) or other distortion. The disk can be used for reading pre-written or mastered content, e.g., in a user's device, and/or can include information or features that permits or supports utility functions, allowing the user to record data thereon such as tracking, sector, location, timing, synchronization features or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc-shaped optical recording medium is provided, according to which a disc-shaped substrate with no central hole is accurately and stable positioned, when the substrate is spin-coated. A circular recess is formed in the center of a non-coated surface opposite to the surface to be coated of the disc-shaped substrate in the spin-coating step, and a ring-shaped raised rim to fit with the circular recess is provided on the side of a substrate holding portion supporting the disc-shaped substrate during spin-coating. The ring-shaped raised rim is fitted with the circular recess, so that the disc-shaped substrate is accurately positioned and held during the spin-coating step.

Abstract: In a method of producing a data storage medium with an optically writeable and readable information carrier which comprises a polymer film whose refractive index can be altered locally by heating, to the polymer film being assigned an absorber which is set up so as at least partly to absorb a write beam and to emit the generated heat at least partly, locally, to the polymer film, first of all a storage film (11) is prepared. The storage film (11) comprises the polymer film (34) and the absorber (35) assigned to the polymer film (34). Subsequently, the storage film (11) is adapted to the geometry provided in the data storage medium.

Abstract: Optical disks are formed using mother stampers having a spiral groove and/or a spiral pattern of pits corresponding to the pattern from an original laser cut. The mother stamper is the mirror image of the corresponding father stamper. Injection molding of polycarbonate material or other suitable material using the mother stamper forms an optical disk having lands and bumps corresponding to the original laser cut. A phase-change material having constructive change in phase and thickness is deposited over the polycarbonate material to create the disk. Data is written to and read from the lands, and tracking is performed on the wobbled lands.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical disk includes spin-coating a substrate with a resin to form a light transmission layer without an additional cover. A spindle jig, which has a central shaft and is formed of a non-adhesive substance, is prepared. A resin is discharged on a surface of the spindle jig. The substrate is placed on the resin so that a recording layer of the substrate faces the spindle jig, and the substrate is spun to form the light transmission layer from the resin. The substrate, which is coated with the light transmission layer, is separated from the spindle jig. Accordingly, the resin is discharged not on a center of the substrate but around the center of the substrate. Thus, the additional cover is unnecessary, and thus a process of manufacturing the optical disk is simplified. Also, an entire surface of the substrate can be uniformly coated with the light transmission layer using the spindle jig and/or a dummy substrate formed of non-adhesive substances.

Abstract: A method for the injection moulding of a plastic article, such as a CD or DVD comprises the following steps: the provision of a mould (1) having at least two mould parts (2, 3), the provision of positioning means (9, 22) for positioning the mould parts (2, 3) with respect to one another a nominal distance apart such that a mould cavity (6) is obtained, injecting a fluid material (26) into the mould cavity under pressure, influencing the positioning means (9, 22) in such a way that the nominal mutual spacing of the mould parts is maintained when injecting the material (26) into the mould cavity (6) under pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing a polycarbonate film for optical recording media is provided. The polycarbonate film includes a plurality of layers, and the method includes arranging the plurality of layers so that a principal optical axis of a first layer is at an angle greater than zero degrees from a principal optical axis of a second layer.

Abstract: A method for producing articles bearing patterned microstructures, e.g., optical film, information carrying substrates for optical recording media, etc. includes applying a radiation curable coating material to a surface of a base film substrate, passing the base film substrate and uncured coating through a compression nip defined by a nip roll and a casting drum having pattern master of the microstructures. The method further includes curing the radiation curable coating by directing radiation energy through the base film substrate from the surface opposite the surface having the coating thereon while the coating is in contact with the drum, thus causing microstructure pattern to be replicated in the cured coating layer.

Abstract: A molded disc substrate obtained by injection molding is rotated at high speed before the molded disc substrate has solidified, and a gas is also made to flow in an outward radial direction along a bottom surface of the molded disc substrate while the molded disc substrate is rotating, and the rotation is stopped after the molded disc substrate has solidified. Thus, a disc substrate with little warping is obtained in a short time.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an injection molding system in which at least one injection molding device successively executes an injection molding operation thereof so as to successively produce the molded product, and at least one takeout device successively takes out the molded product from the corresponding injection molding device so as to successively transfer the molded product to a subsequent-step part in which the molded product is further processed, while a monitoring device is arranged for detecting an abnormal operation in the subsequent-step part and generating an abnormal signal upon detection of the abnormal signal, the method comprising the steps of: changing an operation mode of the at least one of takeout device so as to transfer the molded disk to another part which is separate from the subsequent-step part, upon generation of the abnormal signal by the monitoring device; and extending a cycle time of the injection molding operation of the at least one injection molding device upon g

Abstract: A method of producing an information recording medium having enhanced planarity with high productivity, comprising steps of processing a surface of a disk substrate by satin-like finishing, heating and pressing the disk substrate through compression using a stamper having relief shapes so as to transfer the relief shapes to at least one satin-like finished surface of the disk substrate, forming a recording layer on the relief shape surface of the disk substrate, and forming a coating layer on the recording layer, and a production apparatus for the information recording medium, and an information recording medium produced by the method of producing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc-shaped substrate material for an optical disc with a center hole is provided so as to form a resin layer with a uniform thickness distribution in a simple process. A stamper 10 is held to a movable metal mold 34 by suction means 36 in a cavity 31 in a mold assembly 30. The stamper 10 includes a through hole 10A with a diameter smaller than that of a center hole of an optical disc. When a disc-shaped substrate material 12 formed by injection molding is solidified, and the movable metal mold 34 is separated from a fixed metal mold 32, release means 38 is protruded from the through hole 10A so as to push the disc-shaped substrate material 12 for release.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of shaping optical storage devices (OSD) by placing an OSD between a die set having a male die and female die corresponding to a desired shape and advancing and retracting the die set so as to die-cut the OSD to the desired shape to form a shaped OSD, the shaped OSD products formed therefrom and the die set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through a method for forming multiply patterned optical articles. The method comprises providing a micromold having a pre-patterned surface structure, disposing a photorecording medium comprising a matrix precursor and a photactive monomer on a holder surface, moving the micromold to the photorecording medium on the holder surface such that the pre-patterned surface structure contacts the photorecording medium, wherein the photorecording medium conforms to the pre-patterned surface structure of the micromold, at least partially curing the photorecording medium adherent while the micromold pre-patterned surface structure contacts the photorecording medium, and further patterning the photorecording medium by irradiating the photorecording medium with laser light to polymerize the photoactive monomer.

Abstract: A method for molding an optical disk comprises: applying a thermally insulative insert coating to at least one thermally insulative mold insert to provide at least one coated mold insert having a reduced surface roughness; positioning the coated mold insert between a thermally conductive mold form and a portion of a thermally conductive mold apparatus; injecting a molten thermoplastic material into the mold apparatus; retaining the material in the mold apparatus for a time sufficient for the molten thermoplastic material to cool below its glass transition temperature to form the optical disk; and ejecting the optical disk from the mold apparatus. In another embodiment, the mold insert is coated or laminated on the mold form with the mold insert having a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the mold form. In another embodiment, the mold insert is fabricated by being applied, cured, and then removed from a release layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for producing precision parts, especially flat optical data carriers. According to the invention method, the embossing procedure is program-controlled on the basis of the path function of an electromechanical or hydraulic drive of the driven mold half. When a servomotor is used, the internal path signal thereof can be directly used for calculating the path function or for operating the program control. The novel method allows for a complete speed control of the embossing phase. All factors that can be mechanically influenced from the exterior are detected in more detail for the conditions before and during the embossing phase, thereby allowing for an optimum precision and reproducibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a matrix suitable for use in a plastic element-producing machine, a matrix produced in accordance with the method and the use of such a matrix to form a plastic element. One side of the matrix (2) is provided with a negative microstructure (2a) which is replicated in plastic material (3) to form a positive microstructure (3a) on a plastic element (3), wherewith the matrix (2) can be produced by applying a layer of material (7) to the positive microstructure side of a master. The positive microstructure side of the master has a thin wear-resistant layer (7) which serves as a first wear surface, wherewith said layer will present irregularities (7a) which correspond essentially to the microstructure, and wherein at least said irregularities are filled-in with a plastic composite (8′) so as to form a carrier element (8) for supporting the first wear layer (7). The layer (7) can further be provided with means for supplying heat energy to said matrix.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate-like body formed of first and second members stuck together through liquid includes the steps of (a) applying the liquid on a surface of the first member and (b) feeding gas between the first and second members at an instant of initial contact of the liquid with the second member when the second member is superimposed on the first member.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward techniques for creating molded substrates for use in various different data storage media. The molded substrates have improved thickness profiles that can improve media quality, and in some cases facilitate higher data storage densities. In many cases, the improved thickness profile is a thickness profile that has improved flatness. Mechanical flatness or optical flatness can be achieved. In particular, optical flatness is desirable for substrates used in holographic data storage media having a sandwiched construction.

Abstract: A stamper suppressed in surface roughness, uneven thickness, and deviation of circularity in inner circumference, a method of producing the same, an optical recording medium produced by molding using the stamper, and a method of producing the same, wherein a base member having a mirror polished main surface and comprising silicon or glass is formed with a resist film; the resist film is exposed by a focused electron beam, an ultraviolet ray laser, etc. and developed so as to form a resist film of a pattern corresponding to relief shapes; the mirror surface of the base member is processed to relief shapes (projecting regions and recessed regions) by dry etching etc. using the obtained resist film as a mask so as to obtain a stamper; the obtained stamper is used for injection molding to form a medium substrate; and an optical recording multilayer film and a protective layer are formed to thereby produce an optical recording medium.

Abstract: There is provided a process of producing a laminate type optical disk comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A method for the replication of diffractive optical elements using audio/video disc manufacturing equipment and processes. The audio/video disc manufacturing process and mold mastering tooling create diffractive optical elements using a mold plate. The diffractive optic design and photomasks are first fabricated then replicated using compact disc industry mold mastering techniques. The surface relief pattern is produced centered in the plate using ion milling or refractive ion etching photolithographic fabrication techniques. Once patterned, the mold master plate is punched into a circular form consistent with standard compact or video disc mold bases—typically eight inches for a compact disc. After molding, each element can be cut out of the disc using blade, shear, waterjet or laser cutting.

Abstract: A method of producing a disc having at least one substrate and at least one information layer on the substrate, the method includes bringing the substrate in parallel relationship with a stamper having a negative of the information layer to be formed on the substrate. A gap is located between the substrate and the stamper. A lacquer is injected into the gap between the substrate and the stamper. At least the stamper is rotated, moving the substrate and the stamper towards each other, thereby reducing the gap. The layer of lacquer formed between the substrate and the stamper is cured, and the stamper is removed, leaving the layer of cured lacquer with the information layer formed therein on substrate. Before bringing the substrate in parallel relationship with the stamper, the substrate is provided with a first information layer and a semi-reflective layer located thereon, whereby the layer of lacquer is formed onto the semi-reflective layer.

Abstract: A molding die having satisfactory releasability, a sol-gel composition produced using the molding die, and a process for producing a sol-gel composition. The molding die which is to be pressed against a sol-gel material for producing a sol-gel composition has a release film, e.g., a thin gold (Au) film, formed on the molding surface of the molding die through a buffer layer made of metals and/or inorganic oxides.

Abstract: A stamper protecting layer is interposed between a mold and a stamper of an optical disk molding apparatus, so that forces generated by extension and shrinkage of the stamper relative in a diametrical direction of the stamper to the mold when an optical disk is molded are absorbed by the stamper protecting layer, with this arrangement, the stamper is prevented from being deformed. Accordingly quality and production of the optical disks are improved.

Abstract: A system and method cure a combination of a top and a bottom substrate with a resin disposed in-between. A cure platform includes a chuck on which the combination rests. A cure device cures the resin. An actuation assembly separates the chuck from the platform to thermally isolate the chuck during a curing operation performed by the cure device. A post cooling assembly may be provided to cool the chuck and the combination after a curing operation is performed by the cure device.

Abstract: A method of producing optical storage media includes the steps of providing a supply of thixotropic material in liquid form; coating a sheet of plastic film with the thixotropic material in a layer of predetermined thickness; applying heat to the coating of thixotropic material and drying the same to a semi-solid state; providing an embossing face which contains a negative of a storage medium of information to be transferred; embossing the dried semi-solid coating of thixotropic material with the embossing face and thereby transferring the information to the semi-solid coating; and applying ultra violet energy to the embossed face of the semi-solid coating to cure the coating to a solid state.

Abstract: A method for molding an optical disk includes applying a thermally insulative mold insert onto a thermally conductive mold form by coating the mold insert on the mold form. The mold insert has a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the mold form and includes an adhesion promoting material. The method further includes positioning the coated mold form in a thermally conductive mold apparatus with the mold insert positioned between the mold form and the mold apparatus; injecting a molten thermoplastic material into the mold apparatus; retaining the molten thermoplastic material in the mold apparatus for a time sufficient for the molten thermoplastic material to cool below its glass transition temperature to form the optical disk; and ejecting the optical disk from the mold apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards techniques for creating optical data storage disks. In one embodiment, the invention provides a simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process. For example, a method may include positioning a first bead of photopolymer for distribution between a bottom stamper and a substrate, and positioning a second bead of photopolymer for distribution between a top stamper and the substrate. The method may also include passing a roller over the top stamper to distribute the beads of photopolymer, curing the photopolymer, and removing the substrate from the stampers. The simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process can be repeated on the same medium to create a two-sided dual-layer data storage medium or a two-sided multi-layer data storage medium.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium containing a preferably transparent substrate which has optionally already been coated with one or more reflecting layers and onto the surface of which a photorecordable information layer, optionally one or more reflecting layers, and optionally a protective layer or an additional substrate or a top layer are applied, which data storage medium can be recorded on and read using blue or red light, preferably laser light, wherein the information layer contains a light-absorbing compound and optionally a binder, characterized in that at least one heterocyclic azo dye is used as the light-absorbing compound.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curing an optical disc capable of efficiently curing ultraviolet curing resin serving as an adhesive between a pair of disc substrates. The apparatus includes a peripherally located ultraviolet irradiation unit disposed around a rotary holding table for irradiating ultraviolet from the peripheral surface of the optical disc toward the inner portion thereof so as to cure the ultraviolet curing resin, and/or a central irradiation unit disposed to irradiate ultraviolet from the central hole of the optical disc toward the outer portion thereof.

Abstract: Processes for producing the multi-layered optical recording medium shown in FIG. 2 using the embossing master (20) shown in FIG. 3, where an etched metal thin layer (22) has been electroplated with a thick metal layer and the luminescent recording layer (25) cast thereover forming pits (24) between adjacent metallized areas. The luminescent layer may then be cured using UV light (26).

Abstract: A disk substrate peeling unit for peeling an injection-molded disk substrate from a die, is provide with: a sticking body that sticks to one face of the disk substrate and is integrated with the disk substrate in the case of peeling the disk substrate from the die; and a robot arm that supports the sticking body.

Abstract: A disk molding apparatus is provided with: a fixed die; a movable die that presses a molten resin material filling a cavity formed by the fixed die and the movable die to mold a disk and punches a central part of the disk to bore a hole; a control device that controls a reciprocation of the movable die in a thickness direction of the disk; and wherein a projection for punching the central part of the disk is formed on a mirror plate of the movable die integrally with the movable die.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method for producing a stamper, comprises: forming a nickel plated substrate having desired surface features on one side; disposing a managed heat transfer layer on a second side of said substrate; forming a thickness of said managed heat transfer layer having a variation of less than about 5%; and altering said exposed surface of said managed heat transfer layer. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for producing data storage media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-density disk that is structured to prevent a collision of an optical pickup's objective lens with the high-density disk if the disk is placed upside down in a disk device that is able to record and reproduce signals to/from the high-density disk. A high-density disk recording medium according to the present invention is structured such that, wherein a recording layer having high-density pit patterns is offset from a center plane of disk thickness, a center hole of the disk recording medium is asymmetric in shape with respect to the center plane where, for example, both entrances of the center hole have mutually different diameters.

Abstract: An optical recording head is provided which includes a slider body having a leading edge. A void is formed in the slider body to receive a sphere of optically transparent material. The sphere is inserted into the void such that a portion of the sphere protrudes from the slider body. The protruding portion is lapped to be coplanar with a surface of the slider body to form a near-field lens. A mesa may be formed onto the lapped portion and may include a coil. The slider body, mesa, near-field lens, and coil may be formed in one batch process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a matrix suitable for use in a plastic element-producing machine, a matrix produced in accordance with the method and use of such a matrix to form a plastic element. One side of the matrix is provided with a negative microstructure which is replicated in plastic material to form a positive microstructure on a plastic element, wherewith the matrix can be produced by applying a layer of material to the positive microstructure side of a master. The positive microstructure side of the master has a thin wear-resistant layer which serves as a first wear surface, wherewith said layer will present irregularities which correspond essentially to the microstructure, and wherein at least said irregularities are filled-in with a plastic composite so as to form a carrier element for supporting the first wear layer. The layer can further be provided with means for supplying heat energy to said matrix.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing optical disc substrates having a low degree of birefringence. The method has good mass-producibility, in which the pattern transferability on the substrates produced is good. In producing optical disc substrates having a diameter of from 80 to 120 mm and a thickness of from 0.5 to 0.7 mm, through injection molding or injection-compression molding, a resin for the substrates is injected and charged into the cavity of a mold at a resin filling rate of not lower than 65 cm3/sec, said resin filling rate being obtained by dividing the cavity volume (cm3) of the mold, into which the resin is charged, by the time (sec) taken from the start of resin injection through the tip of the nozzle of the injection-molding machine to the arrival of the resin at the deepest end of the cavity of the mold.