Thermal and optical properties of metal azo dyes for digital video disc-recordable discs

The effects of the optical and thermal properties of metal azo dyes on the recording characteristics of digital video disc-recordable (DVD-R) discs have been studied. A sharp threshold for thermal decomposition of the dye assures a clear mark edge and low jitter for the minimum mark length of 0.4-044 mu m. A steep absorption edge at the 635 nm side is also critical to high reflectivity and for fabricating clear mark edges. Following these guidelines, excellent 0.4 mu m shortest mark length recording characteristics are achieved with original metal azo dye.