Abstract: The present invention describes optical discs on which polymer molecules can be analyzed. There is a method for determining a plurality of characteristics of a target molecule, the target molecule being localized on an optical substrate comprising pits and lands, comprising the steps of: (i) carrying out a series of reactions to interrogate different defined characteristics of the target molecule, wherein each of the reactions occurs in a distinct pit; (ii) treating the optical substrate to modify either those pits where a reaction has occurred, or alternatively, those pits where a reaction has not occurred, to alter the reflective characteristics of the pits; and (iii) measuring reflectivity within the pits, to thereby determine different characteristics of the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new solvent composition useful in the process of manufacturing an optical recording medium. The invention provides a new liquid composition comprising from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a dye having a solid state absorption band maximum in the spectral region from 300 to 800 nm, from 0.5 to 99.9% by weight of a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 to R8 are H, CH3 or C2H5, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R1 to R8 is 0, 1 or 2, and optionally from 0 to 99.4% by weight of one or more further components, all based on the weight of the solution. The instant solvent composition enables to manufacture an optical recording medium of a single recording layer type capable of recording and playing a large volume of information using commercially available compact disc recorders and players and of superior performance in an amazing wide range of drive speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new solvent composition useful in the process of manufacturing an optical recording medium. The invention provides a new liquid composition comprising from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a dye having a solid state absorption band maximum in the spectral region from 300 to 800 nm, from 0.5 to 99.9% by weight of a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 to R8 are H, CH3 or C2H5, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R1 to R8 is 0, 1 or 2, and optionally from 0 to 99.4% by weight of one or more further components, all based on the weight of the solution. The instant solvent composition enables to manufacture an optical recording medium of a single recording layer type capable of recording and playing a large volume of information using commercially available compact disc recorders and players and of superior performance in an amazing wide range of drive speeds.

Abstract: A method of reducing the surface noise of optical disk products of the type having a surface relief pattern is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adherent layer is applied to the substrate of the disk before it is coated with the recording material layer. In another embodiment, a polymeric replica produced from a master disk is treated by spin coating or dipping in a weak solvent which serves to smooth out microscopic roughness thereby removing surface irregularities. In a third embodiment, a metal coated replica is subjected to an electropolishing operation which again serves to remove a small amount of metal material, preferentially from "high spots".