This is an overview of recording principles, materials aspects, and applications of rewritable optical storage. Elements of data recording, including mark formation, eraseability, direct overwrite strategies, data quality and data stability are explained and extensively discussed. Throughout the book, a mark formation model is described and used to back-up measurement results and support the discussed applications. High-speed and dual-layer recording are analyzed in depth, with proposals to achieve higher performance.

Inhalt
Theoretical aspects of phase-change alloys.- Thermal modelling of phase-change recording.- Data recording characteristics.- Recording media.