Patent ID: 6060221
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for initializing an optical recording medium having a recording layer in which an optical characteristic of the recording layer is changeable by irradiation of a light, comprising the steps of:placing the optical recording medium on a holder, the holder comprising a luminous energy adjuster;using the luminous energy adjuster to reduce a quantity of incident light incident on a unit area of the recording layer in a first region adjacent to an outer edge of the optical recording medium less than a quantity of incident light incident on a unit area of a second region disposed inside the first region of the optical recording medium; andirradiating with a flash lamp a surface of the optical recording medium opposite that surface in contact with the holder to initialize the recording layer in the second region, the optical recording medium positioned between the holder and the flash lamp, wherein the luminous energy adjuster includes a first wall protruding toward the flash lamp along an outer edge of the optical recording medium, wherein the first wall has a height higher than a thickness of the optical recording medium so that obliquely incident light incident on a unit area along the outer edge of the recording medium is reduced.