Theoretical analysis of the writing mechanism of textured optical storage media revealed a fundamental sensitivity advantage due to the absence of an energy barrier other than melting the material. The melting limited optical writing has been experimentally achieved both in textured germanium samples and textured silicon samples. The analysis also predicted that an instability exists in the fluid motion of the textured column during spot formation, which grows exponentially on a subnanosecond time scale. This instability coupled with the excessive Laplace-Young surface pressure ensures the spot formation before the resolidification of the molten material. This writing process facilitates the optimization of a given medium and greatly simplifies the materials research.

© 1985 Optical Society of America

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