Patent ID: 6416929
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G11B,Y10S

Abstract:
A recording medium for recording information by varying optical characteristics thereof by applying an external energy thereto, wherein the recording medium comprises:a substrate; a first substance and a second substance, supported on said substrate, which causes an exothermic reaction to vary optical characteristics of said first and second substances when the external energy is applied, said first substance undergoing oxidation and being at least one member selected from the group consisting of metals that exhibit a melting point of from 100 to 300Â° C. , and intermetallic compounds, nitrides, carbides, silicides, borides, sulfides, selenides, tellurides, phosphides, arsenides, antimonides and substances containing the members that exhibit a melting point or a decomposition temperature of from 100 to 300Â° C., wherein said member generates an energy of 500 kJ or more when bonding with oxygen molecules in an amount of 1 mol, said second substance undergoing reduction and being at least one member selected from the group consisting of oxides, substances containing oxygen as a constituent element, substances with oxygen adsorbed, compounds thereof and mixtures thereof; and a third substance interposed between said first substance and said second substance, enabling said first substance and said second substance to react when said external energy is applied, and suppressing said first substance and said second substance to react when said external energy is not applied.