Abstract: A multi-layer optical storage medium includes a transparent substrate, a partially reflective layer, a transparent spacer, and a highly reflective layer. One pattern of data pits is provided on the substrate, adjacent the partially reflective layer, and another pattern of pits is provided on the spacer layer, adjacent the highly reflective layer. The partially reflective layer may be made of antimony sulfide, such as antimony(III) sulfide, Sb2S3. The invention also includes the optical data storage systems compatible with such media.

Abstract: A method comprising the following steps:(a) creating a thermal transfer donor sheet by vapor depositing a colorant layer onto a support;(b) contacting a receptor sheet with the donor sheet such that the colorant layer is in intimate contact with the receptor sheet, wherein at least one of the donor and receptor sheets comprises a radiation-absorbing material;(b) imagewise exposing the contacted sheets to radiation of a wavelength absorbed by the radiation-absorbing material, thereby causing heating in the exposed regions, said heating causing thermal transfer of colorant from the donor sheet to the receptor sheet in an imagewise fashion.

Abstract: A reusable nanostructured donor medium is provided comprising an image forming material containing polymeric film having a nanostructured surface region, at at least one major surface of the film, such that the nanostructured surface region is bifunctional. This bifunctionality being an efficient radiation to heat conversion element, as well as serving as a capillary pump to replenish the nanostructured surface region with an image forming material after an imaging event has occurred.

Abstract: An imaging film donor sheet comprising a substrate, a controlled release/adhesive layer and a vapor-deposited colorant layer, wherein the deposited colorant layer exhibit a discernible microstructure, preferably a columnar microstructure. A matching receptor sheet is provided. A method of preparing the donor sheet as well as a method of imaging is provided.

Abstract: An imaging film donor sheet comprising a substrate, a controlled release/adhesive layer and a vapor-deposited colorant layer, wherein the deposited colorant layer exhibit a discernible microstructure, preferably a columnar microstructure. A matching receptor sheet is provided. A method of preparing the donor sheet as well as a method of imaging is provided.

Abstract: An optical recording medium and a method for preparing the medium in which information can be recorded and read by means of a focused modulated laser beam. The optical recording medium comprises a substrate containing on at least one surface, a layer of organic material having an anisotropic and/or inhomogeneous physical microstructure which gives the layer a non-uniform density gradient along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer before exposure to a laser beam, whereby upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation the level of anisotropy and/or inhomogeneity is reduced.