Abstract: An optical disk is disclosed which includes a substrate and a reflector layer disposed on the substrate. At least one temperature sensitive layer disposed on the reflector layer, the sensor material being selected such that its reflectivity changes as a function of the disk temperature. Finally, a transparent overcoat over the substrate or reflector layer disposed so that incident light passes through the transparent overcoat and interacts with the temperature sensitive layer so that it provides a reflected light component, the intensity of which is temperature dependent.

Abstract: A system and method for recording data on an optical recording medium. One system in accordance with the invention includes an optical source to generate a radiation beam at a first wavelength; and an optical recording medium to which the radiation beam is applied, wherein the medium has an absorption response with an absorption edge between a second and third wavelength, and the first wavelength is between the second and third wavelength, such that an amount of radiation absorbed by the medium varies as a function of wavelength for wavelengths near the first wavelength. The radiation beam induces a shift in the absorption response in a region of the medium illuminated by the beam such that the medium absorbs additional radiation at the first wavelength and the quality of a mark formed on the medium by the beam is thereby improved.