Optical recording materials for compact disc

A lot of optical recording media have been proposed, but only CD-R and DVD-R media are widely accepted. They have many advanced features, such as high compatibility to ROM player because of their high reflectivity, as well as easy and low cost production by applying a simple design comprising a dye recording layer and a reflective layer, and by applying a spin-coating method to form the dye recording layer. Most important factor to realize such advantage is development of organic dyestuffs. In this review, I will introduce what it takes to put the dyestuffs into practical use and the dyestuffs that survive the tough race.