Data recording system for optical memory tape

Abstract

Abstract A system for recording data onto optical tape by means of a laser. The optical tape may be disposed on reels and transported along a tape path between supply and takeup hubs. A laser or laser array is used to write data on the tape in a plurality of parallel tracks as it is driven along the tape path. The tape features a flexible web backing, a reflective metallic layer deposited over the backing and an optical storage layer on top of the metallic layer with a planar crust of irregular, nonfilamentary and oblong black silver particles within the top one-half micron of the storage layer and substantially clear gelatin below the crust. The tape may have prepatterned indica, such as servo track guides or timing marks. Laser recording modifies the black silver particles of the crust to expose the reflective underlayer through the clear gelatin. The laser at low power together with a light detector may be used to read the data, an optical reflective contrast ratio of at least 1.2 to one being sufficient to distinguish the data spots from the surrounding field.

Inventors

• 👤 Eric W. Bouldin
• 👤 Jerome Drexler

Bibliographic Details