Abstract: An optical memory card including a substrate with a data zone covered by an information carrying layer, at least one diffractive optical element (DOE) that is positioned on the substrate, and a metal element coupled to the substrate. The data zone advantageously has a small inner radius, e.g., 12 mm. The DOE may be embossed in the substrate within the data zone formed on the substrate. The metal element may include a hole or protrusion to align the card with a driver. A method for making the card includes embossing a substrate with DOE and grooves, and provides an information carrying layer. A driver for the memory card including a magnetic chuck and a reading laser.