Abstract: An optical phase change media comprises a substrate, an active layer having a crystalline and a liquid state, a dielectric layer and a reflective layer. The active layer is of a thickness which will transmit incident light. The dielectric layer is of a thickness such that light passing through the active layer is reflected by the reflective layer and destructively interferes with the incident light reflected directly off of the active layer, thereby causing the crystalline state of the active layer to absorb more light than the liquid state. The result is that the media experiences reduced temperature during writing.

Abstract: An optical storage system has an information containing film of a material which has a crystallization temperature between 100.degree. C. and 400.degree. C. and can be switched between the amorphous and the crystalline states. Both the amorphous and crystalline states are substantially a single phase where the stoichiometric ratio of the material remains unchanged. Spots on the film is heated with a circular laser beam with a controlled pulse duration and intensity to melt the material in the spots. The spots are quenched at one rate to produce the amorphous state, and in a second revolution of the disk, at a different rate to produce the crystalline state.

Abstract: Reversible phase change storage material is thermally isolated in a storage medium by means of grooves in the substrate and at least one layer of a thermally conductive dielectric material.