Abstract: Mastering techniques are described that can improve the quality of a master used in data storage disk manufacturing. In particular, the techniques described herein can improve resolution of the features created on the master by reducing mastering noise. The techniques include depositing a multi-layer structure adjacent a master substrate layer. The multi-layer structure includes an etch stop layer, an etch layer, and a photoresist layer. A thickness of each of the layers is selected to generate substantially no reflectivity for at least one interface of the multi-layer structure to substantially eliminate stray light effects. The photoresist layer defines a portable conformable mask (PCM) for the etch layer. The etch layer is etched through the contact mask to define a feature of the master in the etch layer. The etch stop layer thickness may be selected to be as thin as possible to reduce surface roughness of the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A recordable data storage disc comprises a substrate having a spirally or concentrically shaped groove pattern. A groove depth of the groove pattern is greater than 90 nanometers, and a track pitch provided by the groove pattern is less than 500 nanometers. The data storage disc further comprises a write-once recording layer formed on the groove pattern, and a reflector layer formed on the recording layer opposite the substrate. The groove depth of greater than 90 nanometers allows a thicker coating of dye to be used for the recording layer compared to other recordable data storage discs with a groove pattern with a groove depth of 90 nanometers or less. The thicker coating of dye allows a lower write power, better modulation when reading a data signal from the disc. The groove depth of greater than 90 nanometers may also allow for more precise push-pull tracking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a data storage medium includes at least three layers. The first layer may be a substrate. The second layer includes a polymer and may exhibit surface variations. And the third layer may substantially conform to the surface variations of the second layer. The surface variations may be used to encode read-only data, servo patterns, or other tracking patterns on a data storage medium at very low cost. The surface variations may be detectable on the surface of the medium because the third layer substantially conforms to the variations. Additional layers may be added to the medium so long as they substantially conform to the surface variations such that the variations are exhibited on the surface of the medium.