Title of Invention

INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Abstract The invention relates to an information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) comprising: one or more information layers (16,23,25) that include a phase-change recording layer (104,204,304), the recording layer (104,204,304) having a surface with a first side and a second side, wherein at least one of the information layers (16,23,25) comprises a Cr-containing layer containing Cr and O (103,105,203,205,303,305) that contact the first side of the surface of the recording layer (104,204,304) and an In-containing layer (105,103,205,203,305,303) containing In and O, that contact the second side of the surface of the recording layer (104,204,304), wherein both the Cr-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and the In-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) are Sn-free, and wherein one of the Cr-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and the In-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) is in contact with a ZnS-free dielectric layer (103,105,203,205,303,305).
Full Text

SPECIFICATION
INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM AND
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording medium wherein information is
recorded, erased, overwritten and/or reproduced optically or electronically, and a method of
manufacturing the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In conventional information recording media, a phase-change information recording
medium that utilizes a phase-change phenomenon in a recording layer (phase-change
material layer) is produced. Among these phase-change information recording media, one
in which information is recorded, erased, overwritten and/or reproduced optically by using
a laser beam is an optical phase-change information recording medium. In an optical phase-
change information recording medium, a change of state of the recording layer is produced
as a result of heat generated by irradiation with a laser beam, and the difference in
reflectance is detected and is read out as information. Among optical phase-change
information recording media, in a overwritable optical phase-change information recording
medium in which information can be erased and overwritten, the initial state of the
recording layer is generally a crystalline phase, and when information is recorded, the
recording layer is melted by irradiating with a high power (recording power) laser beam
and then is rapidly cooled, and thus the laser-irradiated portion becomes amorphous. On the
contrary, when information is erased, the recording layer is warmed by irradiating with a
laser beam which has a lower power than the power used for the recording and then is
cooled, and thus the laser-irradiated portion becomes crystalline. Consequently, in a
rewritable optical phase-change information recording medium, by irradiating the recording
layer with a laser beam for which the power is modulated between a high power level and a
low power level, it is possible for new information to be recorded or overwritten while
recorded information is being erased. Moreover, among optical phase-change information
recording media, for write-once optical phase-change information recording media in
which it is possible for information to be recorded one time but not possible for
information to be erased or overwritten, the initial state of the recording layer is generally
an amorphous phase, and the laser-irradiated portion becomes crystalline as the recording
layer warms up and cools while being irradiated with a high power (recording power) laser
beam when information is recorded.
[0003] Instead of the abovementioned irradiation with a laser beam, there are also electrical

phase-change information recording media that record information by causing a state
change in the phase-change material of the recording layer by means of Joule heating
generated by the application of electrical energy (for example electrical current). In these
electrical phase-change information recording media, the phase-change material of the
recording layer undergoes a state change between a crystalline phase (low resistance) and
an amorphous phase (high resistance) by means of Joule heating generated by the
application of electrical current, and the difference in electrical resistance between the
crystalline phase and amorphous phase is detected and is reproduced as information.
[0004] The commercial 4.7GB/DVD-RAM is given as an example of an optical phase-change
information recording medium. As shown in Fig. 12 for information recording medium 12,
the 4.7 GB/DVD-RAM has a 7-layer configuration, where first dielectric layer 2, first
interface layer 3, recording layer 4, second interface layer 5, second dielectric layer 6, light
absorption correction layer 7, and reflection layer 8 are provided over substrate 1 in this
order from the laser incident side.
[0005] First dielectric layer 2 and second dielectric layer 6 adjust the optical path and enhance
the light absorption efficiency of recording layer 4, so that optical action increases the
signal intensity as the change in reflectance between the crystalline phase and the
amorphous phase grows larger, and serve a thermal function to insulate the heat-sensitive
substrate 1 and dummy substrate 10 and so forth from the heat due to the higher
temperature of recording layer 4 during recording. As a dielectric material, for example,
conventionally used (ZnS)80(SiO2)20 (mol%) is a superior dielectric material that has
transparency and a high refractive index, and is also a good insulator with low thermal
conductivity, favorable mechanical characteristics and resistance to humidity. Furthermore,
the thicknesses of first dielectric layer 2 and second dielectric layer 6 is determined exactly
according to a calculation based on the matrix method, so as to satisfy conditions that
increase the change in the amount of reflected light between the crystalline phase and
amorphous phase of recording layer 4, and increase the light absorption in recording layer
4.
[0006] By using a high crystallization speed material in recording layer 4 that includes Ge-Sn-
Sb-Te wherein Sn substitutes for a portion of the Ge in the pseudo-binary phase-change
material GeTe-Sb2Te3 that combines the compounds GeTe and Sb2Te3, not only is there
efficient overwriting of the initial recording, but superior recording storage stability (the
indicator of whether the recorded signal can be recovered after long-term storage) and
overwriting storage stability (the indicator of whether the recorded signal can be erased or
overwritten after long-term storage) are also realized.
[0007] First interface layer 3 and second interface layer 5 function to prevent mass transfer from
taking place between first dielectric layer 2 and recording layer 4, and between second
dielectric layer 6 and recording layer 4. In this mass transfer phenomenon, when

r
(ZnS)80(SiO2)20 (mol%) is used in first dielectric layer 2 and second dielectric layer 6, S
(sulfur) diffuses into the recording layer during the time when recording layer 4 is
irradiated with a laser beam for repeated recording and overwriting. When S diffuses into
the recording layer, the repeat overwriting capability deteriorates. The use of Ge-containing
nitrides in first interface layer 3 and second interface layer 5 favors the avoidance of this
deterioration of the repeat overwriting capability (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0008] Through the use of technology such as that described above, superior overwriting
performance and high reliability were achieved and the 4.7GB/D VD-RAM was brought to
commercialization.
Moreover, various kinds of technology have been studied in order to obtain information
recording media with higher capacity. In the example of optical phase-change information
recording media, a high density recording technique with a smaller laser beam spot
diameter was investigated by using a violet-blue laser with a shorter wavelength than that
of the conventional red laser, and by using a thinner substrate on the laser beam-incident
side and an objective lens with a larger numerical aperture (NA). When recording is carried
out with a smaller spot diameter, since the time irradiating laser beam with the recording
layer become relatively short, the recording layer needs to be made up of materials which
has high crystallization ability or to be contact with an interface layer which has -high
crystallization promoting effect so that short time crystallization is available.
[0009] In addition, the information capacity increases two-fold by using an optical phase-change
information recording medium that is provided with two information layers (referred to
below as a bilayer optical phase-change information recording medium), and the technique
of carrying out recording and reproducing operations on the two information layers by
using an incident laser beam from one side has also been investigated (for example see
Patent Documents 2 and 3). In these bilayer optical phase-change information recording
media, laser beam that is used will pass through the information layer proximal to the laser
beam incident side (referred to as the first information layer) in order to perform recording
and reproducing operations on the information layer distal to the laser beam incident side
(referred to below as the second information layer), so the first information layer should
have an extremely thin film thickness and high transparency. However, as the recording
layer becomes thinner, crystal nuclei formed during the crystallization of the recording
layer decrease and a distance of atom transfer becomes shorter. Thus, as the recording layer
becomes thinner, the harder will be forming the crystal phase (i.e. the crystallization speed
becomes low). For the above reasons, in the first information layer where the recording
layer is thin, the recording layer needs to be made up of materials which has high
crystallization ability or to be contact with an interface layer which has high crystallization
promoting effect.
[0010] In addition, when the transfer rate of information becomes high by shortening the

recording time of the information of the information recording medium, the crystallization
time becomes short. Thus, to realize phase-change information recording media which
support high transfer rates, the recording layer here also needs to be made up of materials
which has high crystallization ability or to be contact with an interface layer which has
high crystallization promoting effect.
[0011] Heretofore, inventors have introduced materials which have high crystallization ability
for the recording layer, and have introduced Ge-containing nitrides in interface layers
arranged on both sides of the information layer in substantially the same manner as with
the 4.7GB/DVD-RAM.
[0012] However, in a case that the materials which have high crystallization ability for the
recording layer is used to improve the crystallization speed of an optical phase-change
information recording medium, forming the amorphous state will be hard particularly for a
overwritable optical phase-change information recording medium. Thus, the recording
layer must be heated to a high temperature to broaden a melting area and then must be
rapidly cooled. This requires higher energy (laser power) for the information recording.
Then, when the conventional Ge-containing nitrides are used for the interface layers, heat
generated in the recording layer destroys the interface layer and the repeat overwriting
capability rapidly deteriorates.
[0013] Moreover, since Ge-containing nitrides have high thermal conductivity, if a thicker
interface layer is constructed, the heat will facilitate the diffusion. As a result, there is a
problem with reduced recording sensitivity.
In addition, to improve the repeat overwriting capability, when an interface layer
containing Cr and O, not the abovementioned Ge-containing nitrides, is introduced, the
repeat overwriting capability improves but the signal storage stability of recording marks
deteriorates. Even this interface layer containing Cr and O is used, there is a problem with
reduced recording sensitivity.
Patent Document 1: Japanese published unexamined patent application No. H10-275360
(pp. 2-6, Fig. 2)
Patent Document 2: Japanese published unexamined patent application No. 2000-36130
(pp. 2-11, Fig. 2)
Patent Document 3: Japanese published unexamined patent application No. 2002-144736
(pp. 2-14, Fig. 3)
INVENTION DISCLOSURE
[0014] The present invention is to solve the abovementioned conventional problems, and the
object is to provide a phase-change information recording medium of which a
crystallization speed is improved without reducing the repeat overwriting capability, the
recording sensitivity and the signal storage stability.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an information
recording medium comprising one or more information layers including a phase-change
recording layer, wherein at least one of the information layers includes a Cr-containing
layer containing Cr and O that contact with one side of a surface of the recording layer, and
an In-containing layer containing In and O that contact with the other side of the surface of
the recording layer.
[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an information
recording medium comprising a phase-change recording layer, comprising, forming an
interface layer using an In-containing sputtering target that includes In and O, forming the
recording layer; and forming an interface layer using a Cr-containing sputtering target that
includes Cr and O.
[0017] According to the information recording media of the present invention, the crystallization
speed can be improved without decreasing the repeat overwriting capability, the recording
sensitivity, and signal storage stability. In addition, according to the method of
manufacturing the information recording media of the present invention, the phase-change
information recording media of the present invention can easily be manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG.1 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising one information layer of the present invention.
FIG.2 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising N information layers of the present invention.
FIG.3 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising two information layers of the present invention.
FIG.4 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising one information layer of the present invention.
FIG.5 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising N information layers of the present invention.
FIG.6 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure on an
information recording medium comprising two information layers of the present invention.
FIG.7 is a pattern diagram showing a portion of a structure of a recording and reproducing
apparatus used for recording and reproducing an information recording medium of the
present invention.
FIG. 8 is a pattern diagram showing portions of structures of an information recording
medium and an electrical information recording and reproducing apparatus of the present
invention.
FIG.9 is a pattern diagram showing a portion of a structure of a high capacity electrical
information recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a pattern diagram showing portions of structures of an electrical information
recording medium and a recording and reproducing system of the medium of the present
invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of recording/erasing pulse waveforms of the
electrical information recording medium of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a layer structure of a
4.7GB/DVD-RAM.
NUMERICAL REFERENCES
[0019] 1,14,26,30,39 substrate
2, 102, 302 first dielectric layer
3, 103, 303, 401 first interface layer
4,104 recording layer

5, 105, 305, 402 second interface layer
6, 106, 306 second dielectric layer
7 light absorption correction layer
8, 108 reflective layer
9, 27 adhesive layer
10,28 dummy substrate
11 laser beam
12, 15, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32, 37 information recording medium
13 transparent layer
16,18,21 information layer
17, 19, 20 optical separation layer
23 first information layer
25 second information layer
33 spindle motor
34 objective lens
35 semiconductor laser
36 optical head
38 recording and reproducing apparatus
40 lower electrode
41,204 first recording layer
42, 304 second recording layer
43 upper electrode
44, 51 electrical information recording medium
45 application unit
46, 59 resistance meter

47, 49 switch
48, 58 pulse power source
50 electrical information recording and reproducing apparatus
52 word line
53 bit-line
54 memory cells
55 address indicator circuit
56 storage device
57 external circuit
202 third dielectric layer
203, 403 third interface layer
205, 404 fourth interface layer
206 fourth dielectric layer
208 first reflective layer
209 adjustable transmittance layer
308 second reflective layer
501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 508, 509 recording waveform
506, 507 erasing waveform
PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the diagrams.
Furthermore, while examples of embodiments are given below, the present invention is not
limited to these embodiments. Moreover, in the embodiments given below, where there are
multiple occurrences of same component identified by the same symbol, that component
will be omitted from the explanation.
(Embodiment 1)
[0021] An example of an information recording medium of the present invention is explained in
Embodiment 1. A partial cross-sectional diagram of information recording medium 15 of
Embodiment 1 is shown in Fig. 1. Information recording medium 15 is an optical
information recording medium wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce
information by irradiating with laser beam 11.
[0022] Information recording medium 15 is constituted from information layer 16 and
transparent layer 13 formed on substrate 14.
The material of transparent layer 13 is constituted from a resin such as a photocurable
resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin), a slow-acting resin and the like,
or a dielectric and the like, preferably with low light absorption with respect to laser beam
11 being used, preferably with low optical birefringence in the short-wavelength region. In
addition, a transparent disk of a resin such as polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefin, PMMA

and the like, or glass can be used for transparent layer 13. In this case, it is possible for
transparent layer 13 to be bonded to first dielectric layer 102 by using a resin such as a
photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-acting
resin and the like.
[0023] Since the spot diameter when laser beam 11 is focused is determined by the wavelength X
(the shorter the wavelength X, the smaller will be the spot diameter achievable by focusing),
for high density information recording, the wavelength X of laser beam 11 is preferably a
wavelength of layer 13 and the like becomes larger below 350 nm, a wavelength within the range of 350
nm to 450 nm is more preferred.
[0024] Substrate 14 is a transparent, disk-shaped substrate. Depending on the requirements, a
guide groove (track pitch of 0.32 um) for guiding the laser beam can be formed in the
surface of the information layer 16 side of substrate 14. On the other hand, it is preferable
for a surface of substrate 14, which is the opposite side of the information layer 16 side, to
be smooth.
[0025] For the material of substrate 14, for example, a resin such as polycarbonate, amorphous
polyolefin, PMMA and the like, or glass and the like can be used. Polycarbonate is
particularly useful from the perspective of superior transcribability and mass producibility,
and low cost.
[0026] Furthermore, from the perspective of having sufficient strength and for the thickness of -
information recording medium 15 to be on the order of 1.2 mm, a thickness for substrate 14
in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm is preferred. In addition, when the thickness of
transparent layer 13 is on the order of 0.6 mm (the thickness for favorable recording and
reproducing operations are possible with NA = 0.6), a thickness for information recording
medium 15 within the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm is preferred. Moreover, when the
thickness of transparent layer 13 is on the order of 0.1 mm (the thickness for favorable
recording and reproducing operations are possible with NA = 0.85), a thickness for
information recording medium 15 within the range of 1.05 mm to 1.15 mm is preferred.
[0027] The structure of information layer 16 is explained in detail below.
Arranged in order from the laser beam 11 incident side, information layer 16 comprises
first dielectric layer 102, first interface layer 103, recording layer 104, second interface
layer 105, second dielectric layer 106 and reflective layer 108.
[0028] First dielectric layer 102 is made from a dielectric. First dielectric layer 102 acts to
prevent recording layer 104 from undergoing oxidation, corrosion, deformation and the
like, acts to adjust the optical path and enhance the light absorption efficiency of recording
layer 104, and acts to increase the signal intensity by increasing the change in the amount
of reflected light between before and after recording.
[0029] For the material of first dielectric layer 102, for example, oxides such as Ti02, ZrC>2,

Hf02, ZnO, Nb205, Ta205, SiO2, Sn02, A1203, Bi203, Cr203, Ga203, ln203, Y203, Dy203
and the like can be used. In addition, nitrides such as C-N, Ti-N, Zr-N, Nb-N, Ta-N, Si-N,
Ge-N, Cr-N, Al-N, Ge-Si-N, Ge-Cr-N and the like can also be used. Moreover, sulfides
such as ZnS and the like, carbides such as SiC and the like, fluorides such as LaF3, CeF3
and the like and C can also be used. In addition, mixtures of the above materials can also
be used. For example, ZnS-SiO2 that is a mixture of ZnS and SiO2 is a particularly superior
material for first dielectric layer 102. ZnS-SiO2 is an amorphous material with high
refractive index, rapid film deposition rate, favorable mechanical characteristics and
resistance to humidity.
[0030] The thickness of first dielectric layer 102 is determined exactly according to a calculation
based on the matrix method, so as to satisfy conditions that increase the change in the
amount of reflected light between the crystalline phase and amorphous phase of recording
layer 104. Here, the thickness of first dielectric layer 102 is desirable within the range of
10 nm to 150 nm, and is more desirable within the range of 30 nm to 80 nm.
[0031] First interface layer 103 acts to prevent the mass transfer that arises between first
dielectric layer 102 and recording layer 104 due to repeated recording.
For the material of interface layer 103, in order to prevent first interface layer 103 from
melting and mixing into recording layer 104 when irradiating with a high power laser beam
11, materials with less light absorption capability and high melting point so as not to melt
during the information recording are preferred. This is because that if the material of first
interface layer 103 is mixed, a composition of recording layer 104 changes and the
overwriting capability particularly deteriorates. Moreover, since adhesiveness of first
interface layer 103 and recording layer 104 is essential for ensuring reliability of
information recording mediuml5, the materials of good adhesiveness with recording layer
104 is preferred.
[0032] For specific materials of first interface layer 103, materials containing Cr and O are
preferable since the crystallization of recording layer 104 is more improved. Among these,
the oxide Cr203 formed from Cr and O, such as Cr203-Zr02, Cr203-Hf02, Cr203-Ga203,
Cr203-In203, Cr203-Y203, Cr203-SiO2, Cr203-Zr02-SiO2, Cr203-Y203-SiO2 and the like, is
preferable. Particularly, Cr203 is the material of good adhesiveness with recording layer
104. On the other hand, materials containing In and O can also be used. Particularly, it is
preferable to contain ln203 as an oxide. In203 is also the material of good adhesiveness
with recording layer 104. Other than these materials, first interface layer 103 may also
contain Ml (provided that Ml is at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and
Si) in addition to Cr and O, or M2 (provided that M2 is at least one element selected from
Zr, Hf, Ga, Y, Dy and Si) in addition to In and O. As these oxides are mixed, information
recording medium 15 with the superior repeat overwriting performance and high reliability
is achieved even if first interface layer 103 partially contacts with recording layer 104. In

1 order to ensure the adhesiveness with recording layer 104, a content of Cr2C>3 in the oxide
of Cr2C>3 and Ml is preferably > 10 mol%. Furthermore, a content of In203 in the oxide of
I112O3-M2 is preferably > 10 mol%. In addition, a content of C^Ch in the oxide of O2O3
and Ml is preferably layer 103 (if the content of Cr203 becomes high, the amount of light absorption tends to
increase).
[0033] The thickness of first interface layer 103 is preferable within the range of 0.5 nm to 50
nm, and is more preferable within the range of 1 nm to 10 nm so as not to decrease the
change in the amount of reflected light before and after the recording at the information
layer 16 due to light absorption at first interface layer 103.
[0034] In the same manner as with first interface layer 103, second interface layer 105 acts to
prevent any mass transfer that arises between second dielectric layer 106 and recording
layer 104 due to repeated recording.
For specific materials of second interface layer 105, materials containing In and O are
preferable. Among these, the oxide ln203 formed from In and O, such as In203-Zr02, ln203-
Hf02, In203-Ga203, In203-Y203, In203-Dy203, In203-SiO2, In203-Zr02-SiO2, In203-Y203-
SiC>2, In203-Dy203-SiC>2, is preferable. On the other hand, materials containing Cr and O
can also be used in second interface layer 105. In such the case, it is preferable to contain
the oxide Cr203 formed from Cr and O. Moreover, in the same manner as with first
interface layer 103, second interface layer 105 may also contain Ml in addition to Cr and
O, or M2 in addition to In and O. Since there is a tendency for the adhesiveness of second
interface layer 105 to be poorer than that of first interface layer 103, it is preferable that a
content of Cr2C>3 in the oxide of Cr203 and Ml, or a content of In203 in the oxide of ln203-
M2 isof>20mol%.
[0035] In the same manner as with first interface layer 103, the thickness of second interface
layer 105 is preferably within the range of 0.5 nm to 15 nm, and is more preferably within
the range of 1 nm to 10 nm.
The same series of materials as were used for first dielectric layer 102 can be used in
second dielectric layer 106. Among these, Zr02, Hf02, Ga203, ln203, Cr203, SiO2, Dy203,
LaF3, CeF3, or dielectrics containing these materials as a mixed state (for example, Zr02-
Ga203, Zr02-In203, Dy203-ln203, Zr02-In203-Cr203, Zr02-SiO2-In203, Zr02-Cr203-LaF3,
Hf02-Dy203 and the like) are particularly superior materials for second dielectric layer 106.
The thickness of second dielectric layer 106 is preferably within the range of 2 nm to 75
nm, and is more preferably within the range of 5 nm to 40 nm. Second dielectric layer 106
with the thickness of the range enables the heat generated at recording layer 104 to
effectively diffuse toward the reflective layer 108 side.
[0036] Also, depending on the requirements, second dielectric layer 106 can be absent. In this
case, the thicknesses of second interface layer 105 can be determined exactly according to a

calculation based on the matrix method, so as to satisfy conditions that increase the change
in the amount of reflected light between the crystalline phase and amorphous phase of
recording layer 104. The thickness of second interface layer 105 is preferably within the
range of 2 nm to 75 nm, and is more preferably within the range of 5 nm to 40 nm.
[0037] Recording layer 104 in constituted of a material that will undergo a reversible phase-
change between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase due to irradiation with laser
beam 11. Recording layer 104 can be formed from a material that includes for example Ge,
Te, and M3 (provided that M3 is at least one element selected from Sb and Bi).
Specifically, recording layer 104 can be formed from a material represented by
GeaM3bTe3+a. Here, recording layer 104 has a favorable recording storage stability with a
low transfer rate in a stable amorphous phase, and a favorable overwriting storage stability
with an elevated melting point and a high transfer rate with little reduction in the
crystallization speed, where it is desirable to satisfy the relationship 0 preferable to satisfy the relationship 4 stable and to have little reduction in the crystallization speed, satisfying the relationship
1.5 [0038] Additionally, it is also favorable for recording layer 104 to be formed from a material
represented by (Ge-M4)aM3bTe3+a (provided that M4 is at least one element selected from
Sn, La and Pb). When this material is used, since the element M4 that substitutes for Ge
will increase the crystallizability, it is possible to obtain satisfactory erase ratios even when
the thickness of recording layer 104 is thin. For element M4, Sn is more preferable. When
this material is used, it is preferable for 0 and 1.5 recording layer 104 to be formed from another material represented by Gea(M3-M5)bTe3+a
(provided that M5 is at least one element selected from In, Ga and Al). For element M5, In
is more preferable. For mixing concentration of element M5, it is more preferable to be 4% with respect to a gross composition of recording layer 104. When this material is used,
it is preferable for 0 2 be formed from a material represented by (Ge-M4)a(M3-M5)bTe3+a. For element M4, Sn is
more preferable, and for element M5, In is more preferable. For mixing concentration of
element M5, it is more preferable to be recording layer 104. When this material is used, it is preferable for 0 40 being more preferable), and 1.5 addition, recording layer 104 can be formed from a material that includes Sb and M6
(provided that M6 is at least one element selected from V, Mn, Ga, Ge, Se, Ag, In, Sn, Te,
Pb, Bi and Au). Specifically, recording layer 104 can be formed from a material that is
represented by SbcM6ioo-c (atom %). When c satisfies the relationship 50
reflectance difference between the crystalline state and the amorphous state of recording
layer 104 of information recording medium 15 can become greater, and favorable recording
and reproducing characteristics can be obtained. Among these, when 75 crystallization speed is particularly rapid, and favorable overwriting capability with a high
transfer rate can be obtained. In addition, when 50 particularly stable, and favorable recording capability with a low transfer rate can be
obtained. For other materials, recording layer 104 can be formed from irreversible phase-
change materials. For the irreversible phase-change materials, for example, as disclosed in
Japanese patent publication No.H7-25209 (Patent No. 2006849), a material constituted
from Te-0-M7 (provided that M7 is an element such as Pd, Ge and the like) is preferable.
When the recording layer is formed from the irreversible phase-change materials, an
information recording medium is a write-once type in which information can be recorded
one time. For such the information recording medium, the present invention is preferably
applied to improve the recording sensitivity and the signal storage stability.
[0039] The materials of recording layer 104 may be formed by magneto optical materials in
which information is recorded, erased and/or reproduced by applying magnetic field and
light . For those materials, at least one element selected from a group of rare-earth metals
of Tb, Gd, Dy, Nd, and Sm, and at least one element selected from a group of transition
metals of Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni can be used. Specifically, those materials are Tb-Fe, Te-
Fe-Co, Gd-Fe, Gd-Fe-Co, pI-Fe-Co. Nd-Fe-Co,- Sm-Co, Tb-Fe-Ni, Gd-Tb-Fe-Co, Dy-st^
Fe-Co and the like. When the recording layer is formed from magneto optical materials, a
structure of the information recording medium does not always correspond to that of Fig. 1.
However, the structure and the materials of the interfacel layers over the both sides of the
recording layer of the present invention are preferably applied to such the the information
recording medium.
[0040] The thickness of recording layer 104 is preferably within the range of 6 nm to 15 nm in
order to achieve high recording sensitivity for information layer 16. Even within the range,
when recording layer 104 is thick, the thermal effect on the adjacent region becomes higher
due to the diffusion of the heat along the in-plane direction. Moreover, when recording
layer 104 is thin, the reflectance of information layer 16 becomes smaller. Consequently, it
is more preferable for the film thickness of recording layer 104 to be within the range 8 nm
to 13 nm.
[0041] Reflective layer 108 possesses an optical function that is to increase the amount of light
absorbed by recording layer 104. In addition, reflective layer 108 possesses a thermal
function that is to facilitate the process of recording layer 104 becoming amorphous by
rapidly diffusing any heat generated by recording layer 104. Furthermore, reflective layer
108 possesses the capability of protecting multi-layer films from the use environment.
[0042] For the material of reflective layer 108, simple metals with high thermal conductivity

such as Ag, Au, Cu and Al can be used. Moreover, Al alloys where Cr, Ni, Ti and the like
are added to Al, Au alloys where Cu, Cr, Nd and the like are added to Au, Ag alloys where
Cu, Pd, Ga, In, Nd and the like are added to Ag, Ag alloys where Pd, Ti, Ru, Au, Ni, Nd,
Ga, Ca, In, Gd and the like are added to Ag-Cu, Ag alloys where Au, Pd and the like are
added to Ag-Nd, Ag alloys where Sn, Ga and the like are added to Ag-In, and alloys such
as Ag-Ga-Sn, Ag-Zn-Al and Cu-Si can also be used. In particular, since Ag alloys have
significant thermal conductivity, they are preferred as materials for reflective layer 108.
Concentration of the added materials is preferably capability of reflective layer 108 to be suitable, a thickness of >30 nm is preferred. Also
within this range, when reflective layer 108 is thinner than 200 nm, it is possible to prevent
its heat diffusion capability from being too great and the recording sensitivity of
information layer 16 from decreasing. Therefore, the thickness of reflective layer 108 is
desirable within the range of 30 nm to 200 nm.
[0043] An interface layer (not shown) can be placed between reflecting layer 108 and second
dielectric layer 106. In this case, materials that can be used for the interface layer are those
that have a lower thermal conductivity than the materials described for reflecting layer 108.
When an Ag alloy is used for reflecting layer 108, for example Al or an Al alloy can be
used for the interface layer. Moreover, elements such as Cr, Ni, Si, C and the like, and
oxides such as Ti02, Zr02, Hf02; ZnO, Nb205, Ta205, SiO2, Sn02, A1203, Bi203, Cr203,
Ga203, In2C>3, Y203, Dy203 and the like can be used in the interface layer. Additionally,
nitrides such as C-N, Ti-N, Zr-N, Nb-N, Ta-N, Si-N, Ge-N, Cr-N, Al-N, Ge-Si-N, Ge-
Cr-N and the like can be used. In addition, sulfides such as ZnS and the like, carbides such
as SiC and the like, fluorides such as LaF3, CeF3 and the like and carbon can also be used.
Moreover, mixtures of the above materials can also be used. Additionally, the thickness of
the interface layer is preferably within the range of 2 nm to 50 nm (more preferably within
the range of 2 nm to 20 nm).
[0044] For information layer 16, with recording layer 104 having reflectance Rc (%) when in the
crystalline phase and reflectance Ra (%) when in the amorphous phase, it is preferred when
these satisfy the relation Ra state when information has not been recorded, so that recording and reproducing operations
can be carried out in a stable manner. In addition, to obtain a larger reflectance difference
(Rc-Ra) and favorable recording and reproducing characteristics, it is preferable for Rc and
Ra to satisfy 0.2 0.2 [0045] Information recording medium 15 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
First, information layer 16 is laminated over substrate 14 (of thickness 1.1 mm, for
example). The information layer 16 is constituted from a single-layer film or a multi-layer
film, and such layers can be formed within a coating apparatus through the use of

sequential sputtering with a sputtering target including materials of each layer.
[0046] Specifically, first reflecting layer 108 is formed over substrate 14. Reflecting layer 108 is
formed by sputtering with a sputtering target constituted from a metal or alloy that
constitutes reflecting layer 108 in an atmosphere of Ar gas, or in an atmosphere of a gas
mixture of Ar gas and a reaction gas (at least one gas selected from O2 gas and N2 gas).
[0047] Next, depending on the requirements, interface layer is formed over reflecting layer 108.
Interface layer is formed by sputtering with a sputtering target constituted from an element
or compound that constitutes interface layer in an atmosphere of Ar gas, or in an
atmosphere of a gas mixture of Ar gas and a reaction gas.
[0048] Subsequently, second dielectric layer 106 is formed over reflective layer 108 or interface
layer. Second dielectric layer 106 is formed by sputtering with a sputtering target
constituted from an element or compound that constitutes second dielectric layer 106 in an
atmosphere of Ar gas, or in an atmosphere of a gas mixture of Ar gas and a reaction gas.
Moreover, second dielectric layer 106 is formed by reactive sputtering with a sputtering
target constituted from a metal that constitutes second dielectric layer 106 in an atmosphere
of a gas mixture of Ar gas and a reaction gas.
[0049] Next, second interface layer 105 is formed over reflective layer 108, interface layer or
second dielectric layer 106. Second interface layer 105 can be formed in substantially the
same manner as for second dielectric layer 106.
Next, recording layer 104 is formed over second interface layer 105. Depending on its
composition, recording layer 104 can be formed by sputtering with the use of a single
power source with a sputtering target constituted from Ge-Te-M3 alloy, or a sputtering
target constituted from Ge-M4-Te-M3 alloy, or a sputtering target constituted from Sb-M6
alloy.
[0050] For the atmosphere gas used for sputtering, Ar gas, Kr gas, a gas mixture with Ar gas and
a reaction gas, or a gas mixture with Kr gas and a reaction gas can be used. Moreover,
recording layer 104 can be formed by simultaneous sputtering with the use of a plurality of
power sources from various sputtering targets of Ge, Te, M3, M4, Sb or M6. In addition,
recording layer 104 can be formed by simultaneous sputtering with the use of a plurality of
power sources from a binary sputtering target or a ternary sputtering target and the like that
combines any of the elements from Ge, Te, M3, M4, Sb or M6. In these cases also, the
recording layer can be formed by sputtering in an atmosphere of Ar gas, an atmosphere of
Kr gas, an atmosphere of a gas mixture with Ar gas and a reaction gas, or an atmosphere of
a gas mixture with Kr gas and a reaction gas can be used.
[0051] Next, first interface layer 103 is formed over recording layer 104. First interface layer
103 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106.
Next, first dielectric layer 102 is formed over first interface layer 103. First dielectric
layer 102 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer

106.
[0052] Finally, transparent layer 13 is formed over first dielectric layer 102. Transparent layer 13
can be formed over first dielectric layer 102 by applying a photocurable resin (particularly
an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-acting resin as a spin coating, after which
the resin is cured. Additionally, it is also suitable to use a transparent disk of a resin such as
polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefin, PMMA and the like, or a substrate of glass and the
like for transparent layer 13. In this case, transparent layer 13 can be formed by applying a
resin such as a photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a
slow-acting resin and the like over first dielectric layer 102, and after the substrate is
bonded over first dielectric layer 102 by spin coating the resin is cured. Moreover, an
adhesive resin is applied uniformly to the substrate beforehand, and this can be bonded to
first dielectric layer 102.
[0053] Furthermore, after first dielectric layer 102 is formed, or after transparent layer 13 is
formed, depending on the requirements it is also favorable to carry out an initialization
process in which the entire recording layer 104 is crystallized. The crystallization of
recording layer 104 can be carried out by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0054] Information recording medium 15 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
- vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0055] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order.
(Embodiment 2)
An example of an information recording medium of the present invention is explained in
Embodiment 2. A partial cross-sectional diagram of information recording medium 22 of
Embodiment 2 is shown in Fig. 2. Information recording medium 22 is an optical
information recording medium wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce
information by irradiating with laser beam 11.
[0056] Information recording medium 22 is constituted on substrate 14 from N groups (where N
is a natural number that satisfies N > 2) of information layers 21 and 18, first information
layer 23 and transparent layer 13 through sequential lamination of optical separation layers
20, 19, 17 and the like. Here, the first information layer 23 and information layer 18, which
are not over (N-l)' phase from the laser beam 11 incident side (the Nth information layer
counting from the laser beam 11 incident side is referred to below as the Nth information
layer), are transparent-type information layers. Substantially the same materials as were
used in Embodiment 1 can be used in substrate 14 and transparent layer 13. In addition,
these will also have substantially the same form and function as was explained in

Embodiment 1.
[0057] The material of optical separation layers 20, 19, 17 and the like is constituted from a resin
such as a photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-
acting resin as well as a dielectric and the like, preferably with low light absorption with
respect to laser beam 11 being used, and preferably with low optical birefringence in the
short-wavelength region.
[0058] Optical separation layers 20, 19, 17 and the like are layers that are provided in order to
differentiate the corresponding focus positions for first information layer 23, information
layers 18 and 21 and the like for information recording medium 22. It is necessary for the
thickness of optical separation layers 20, 19, 17 and the like to be greater than or equal to
that is the focal depth (AZ) that is determined by the numerical aperture (NA) of the
objective lens and the wavelength of laser beam 11 (A,). When the standard focal point
intensity can be assumed to be 80% of the aplanatic case, AZ can be approximated by AZ =
A,/[2(NA)2]. When X = 405 nm and NA = 0.85, AZ equals to 0.280 um, and if AZ is within ±
0.3 um from the value, it is still said to be within the focal depth. For this reason, it is
necessary in this case for the thickness of optical separation layers 20, 19, 17 and the like
to be >0.6 um. It is desirable for the path between first information layer 23, and
information layers 18, 21 and the like to be within the focusable range of laser beam 11
used for the objective lens. Consequently, the total thickness of optical separation layers
20, 19, 17 and the like are preferably within the tolerance allowable for the objective lens
(for example, [0059] Depending on the requirements, it is satisfactory to form a guide groove to guide the laser
beam on the surface of laser beam 11 incident side of optical separation layers 20, 19, 17
and the like.
In this case, with laser beam 11 irradiating from only one side, it is possible to carry out
recording and reproducing operations with laser beam 11 on the Kth information layer
(where K is a natural number such that 1 first through (K-l)1 information layers.
[0060] Furthermore, any one from the first information layer to the Nth first information layer
can also be an information layer for dedicated reproducing use (ROM, Read Only
Memory), as well as a write-once information layer (WO, Write Once) that can only be
recorded upon a single time
[0061] The structure of first information layer 23 is explained in detail below.
First information layer 23 is provided with third dielectric layer 202, third interface layer
203, first recording layer 204, fourth interface layer 205, first reflecting layer 208, and
adjustable transmittance layer 209, positioned in order from the laser beam 11 incident
side.
[0062] Materials substantially the same as those in first dielectric layer 102 of Embodiment 1

can be used in third dielectric layer 202. Additionally, the function of third dielectric layer
202 is substantially the same as for first dielectric layer 102 of Embodiment 1.
[0063] In general, the thicknesses of third dielectric layer 202 can be determined exactly
according to a calculation based on the matrix method, so as to satisfy conditions that
increase the change in the amount of reflected light between the crystalline phase and
amorphous phase of first recording layer 204, increase the light absorption in recording
layer 204, and increase the transmittance of first information layer 23.
[0064] Materials substantially the same as those used for first interface layer 103 in Embodiment
1 can be used in third interface layer 203. Moreover, the function and form of the interface
layer 203 will also be substantially the same as for first interface layer 103 in Embodiment
1.
[0065] Fourth interface layer 205 adjusts the optical path and acts to elevate the light absorption
efficiency of first recording layer 204, and has the function of increasing the magnitude in
the change in the amount of reflected light before and after recording and to increase the
signal intensity.
The same series of materials as was used in second interface layer 105 in Embodiment 1
can be used in fourth interface layer 205. In addition, the thickness of fourth interface layer
205 is preferably within the range of 0.5 nm to 75 nm, and is more preferably within the
range of 1 nm to 40 nm. By selecting a thickness for fourth interface layer 205 within this
range, any heat generated in first recording layer 204 can be effectively dissipated on the
side of first reflective layer 208.
[0066] Furthermore, fourth dielectric layer 206 can be positioned between fourth interface layer
205 and first reflective layer 208 in first information layer 23. Substantially the same series
of materials as was used in third dielectric layer 202 can be used in fourth dielectric layer
206. Particularly, materials containing In and O are preferable.
[0067] First recording layer 204 is constituted from a material that undergoes a phase-change
between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase due to irradiation with laser beam 11.
First recording layer 204 can be formed, for example, from a material that includes Ge, Te,
or M3. Specifically, first recording layer 204 can be formed from a material that can be
represented by the composition formula GeaM3bTe3+a. When a satisfies the relationship 0 a transfer rate and favorable overwriting capability with a high transfer rate can be obtained.
It is more preferable to satisfy the relationship 4 phase to be stable and to have little reduction in the crystallization speed, it is preferable to
satisfy the relationship 1.5 [0068] Additionally, first recording layer 204 can be formed from a material that can be
represented by the composition formula (Ge-M4)aM3bTe3+a. When this material is used,

1 since the element M3 that substitutes for Ge will increase the crystallizability, it is possible
to obtain satisfactory erase ratios even when the thickness of first recording layer 204 is
thin. For element M4, Sn is more preferable from the perspective of being less toxic. When
this material is used, it is preferable for 0 and 1.5 [0069] For first information layer 23, in order to achieve the required quantity of laser beam for
the recording and reproducing operations in the information layer on the side more distal
than first information layer 23 from the laser beam 11 incident side, and to make the laser
beam reach the information layer on the side more distal than first information layer 23,
first information layer 23 must have high transmittance. Therefore, the thickness of first
recording layer 204 is preferable 8 nm.
[0070] First reflecting layer 208 possesses an optical function that is to increase the amount of
light absorbed by first recording layer 204. Moreover, first reflective layer 208 possesses a
thermal function of rapidly diffusing any heat generated by first recording layer 204 and to
facilitate the process of first recording layer 204 becoming amorphous. Furthermore,
reflective layer 208 possesses the function of protecting multi-layer films from the use
environment.
[0071] Substantially the same materials as were used for reflective layer 108 in Embodiment 1
can be used in first reflective layer 208. Additionally, the function of first reflective layer
208 is substantially the same as for reflective layer 108 of Embodiment 1. In particular,
since Ag alloys have significant thermal conductivity, they are preferred as materials for
first reflective layer 208.
[0072] In order for first information layer 23 to have the highest possible transmittance, the
thickness of first reflective layer 208 is preferably within the range of 3 nm to 15 nm, and
is more preferably within the range of 8 nm to 12 nm. When first reflective layer 208 has a
thickness within this range, its heat diffusion function will be suitable, and it will be able to
maintain the reflectance of first information layer 23, and furthermore the transmittance of
first information layer 23 will be suitable.
[0073] Adjustable transmittance layer 209 is constituted from a dielectric, and functions to adjust
the transmittance of first information layer 23. Adjustable transmittance layer 209 makes it
possible to achieve both a higher transmittance Tc (%) of first information layer 23 when
first recording layer 204 is in a crystalline phase and a higher transmittance Ta (%) of first
information layer 23 when first recording layer 204 is in an amorphous phase. Specifically,
the level of transmittance in first information layer 23 is raised by from 2% to 10% when it
is provided with adjustable transmittance layer 209 as compared to when the adjustable
transmittance layer 209 is absent. In addition, adjustable transmittance layer 209 also
functions effectively to diffuse any heat generated in first recording layer 204.

'[0074] In order to raise the transmittances Tc and Ta of first information layer 23 higher, it is
preferable for the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k of adjustable transmittance
layer 209 to satisfy the conditions 2.0 the conditions 2.4 [0075] The thickness d of adjustable transmittance layer 209 is preferably within the range
(l/32)A7n range (l/16)A,/n wavelength X of laser beam 11 and refractive index n of adjustable transmittance layer 209,
for example, by selecting 350 nm abovementioned ranges to be 3 nm preferable for the ranges to be 7 nm within these ranges, both the transmittances Tc and Ta of first information layer 23 can be
higher.
[0076] Oxides such as Ti02, Zr02, Hf02, ZnO, Nb205, Ta205, SiO2, Al203, Bi203, Cr203, Ga203j
ln203, Y203, Dy203, Sr-O and the like can be used as the material for adjustable
transmittance layer 209. Additionally, nitrides such as Ti-N, Zr-N, Nb-N, Ta-N, Si-N, Ge-
N, Cr-N, Al-N, Ge-Si-N, Ge-Cr-N and the like can be used. Moreover, sulfides such as ZnS
can be used. In addition, mixtures of the above materials can also be used. Among these, in
particular Ti02 and materials including Ti02 are preferred. Since materials such as these
have a higher refractive index (n = 2.6 to 2.8), a small extinction coefficient (k = 0.0 to
0.05), this also raises the transmittance of first information layer 23 higher.
[0077] The transmittance Tc and Ta of first information layer 23 preferably satisfy the condition
40 record on and/or reproduce from the information layer, to reach the information layer on
the side more distal than first information layer 23 from the laser beam 11 incident side. It
is more preferable for them to satisfy 46 [0078] Transmittances Ta and Tc of first information layer 23 preferably satisfy the condition -5
satisfy these conditions, there is a smaller effect of the change in transmittance due to the
status of first recording layer 204 in first information layer 23 during recording and
reproducing operations of the information layer on the side more distal than first
information layer 23 from the laser beam 11 incident side, and favorable recording and
reproducing characteristics are obtained.
[0079] In first information layer 23, for reflectance Rci (%) when first recording layer 204 is in a
crystalline phase and reflectance Rai (%) when first recording layer 204 is in an amorphous
phase, it is preferable if the condition Rai reflectance is high in the initial state when information has not been recorded, so that
recording and reproducing operations can be carried out in a stable manner. In addition, to

obtain a larger reflectance difference (Rci-Rai) and favorable recording and reproducing
characteristics, it is preferable for Rci and Rai to satisfy 0.1 it is more preferable for them to satisfy 0.1 [0080] Information recording medium 22 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
First, information layers of N-l layers are laminated sequentially with optical separation
layers therebetween over substrate 14 (for example, with a thickness of 1.1 mm). The
information layer is constituted from a single-layer film or a multi-layer film, and such
layers can be formed within a coating apparatus through the use of sequential sputtering
with a sputtering target constituted from the material.
[0081] Additionally, the optical separation layers can be formed by applying a resin such as a
photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-acting
resin and the like over the information layer, after which substrate 14 is rotated so that the
resin extends uniformly (spin coating) and then the resin is cured. Furthermore, when the
optical separation layer is provided with a guide groove for laser beam 11, the guide groove
can be formed by bonding a resin to a substrate (mold) that forms the groove prior to
curing, followed by the mold covered with the substrate 14 being rotated to perform spin
coating, and removing the substrate (mold) after the resin is cured.
[0082] After laminating information layers of N-l layers with optical separation layers
therebetween over substrate 14, proceeding in this manner prepares for forming optical
separation layer 17.
Next, first information layer 23 is formed over optical separation layer 17. Specifically,
after first being laminated with N-l layers using information layers and optical separation
layers, substrate 14 with formed optical separation layer 17 is positioned within a coating
apparatus and adjustable transmittance layer 209 is formed over optical separation layer 17.
Adjustable transmittance layer 209 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for
second dielectric layer 106 in Embodiment 1.
[0083] Next, first reflective layer "1.08 is formed over adjustable transmittance layer 209. First
reflective layer TO8 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second reflective
layer'lOS in Embodiment 1.
Next, fourth dielectric layer 206 is formed over first reflective layer 208. Fourth
dielectric layer 206 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric
layer 106 in Embodiment 1.
[0084] Next, fourth interface layer 205 is formed over first reflective layer 208 or fourth
dielectric layer 206. Fourth interface layer 205 can be formed in substantially the same
manner as for second dielectric layer 106 in Embodiment 1.
[0085] Next, first recording layer 204 is formed over fourth interface layer 205. First recording
layer 204 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for recording layer 104 in
Embodiment 1, by using a sputtering target that corresponds to its composition.

•.J
[0086] Next, third interface layer 203 is formed over first recording layer 204. Third interface
layer 203 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106
in Embodiment 1.
Next, third dielectric layer 202 is formed over third interface layer 203. Third dielectric
layer 202 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106
in Embodiment 1.
[0087] Finally, transparent layer 13 is formed over third dielectric layer 202. Transparent layer
13 is formed by the method explained in Embodiment 1.
Furthermore, after third dielectric layer 202 is formed, or after transparent layer 13 is
formed, depending on the requirements, it is also favorable to carry out an initialization
process in which the entire first recording layer 204 is crystallized. The crystallization of
first recording layer 204 can be carried out by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0088] Information recording medium 22 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0089] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order.
(Embodiment 3)
In Embodiment 3, N = 2 in the multilayer optical information recording medium of the
present invention in Embodiment 2, in other words an example of an information recording
medium that uses biphasic information layers is explained. A partial cross-sectional
diagram of information recording medium 24 of Embodiment 3 is shown in Fig. 3.
Information recording medium 24 is a bilayer optical information recording medium
wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce information by irradiating with laser beam
11 from one side.
[0090] Information recording medium 24 is constituted from second information layer 25, optical
separation layer 17, first information layer 23 and transparent layer 13 that are sequentially
laminated over substrate 14. Materials substantially the same as those in the explanations in
Embodiments 1 and 2 can be used in substrate 14, optical separation layer 17, first
information layer 23 and transparent layer 13. In addition, these will also have substantially
the same form and function as was explained in Embodiments 1 and 2.
[0091] The structure of second information layer 25 is explained in detail below.
Second information layer 25 is provided with first dielectric layer 302, first interface
layer 303, second recording layer 304, second interface layer 305, second dielectric layer
306 and second reflecting layer 308, positioned in order from the laser beam 11 incident
side. Recording and reproducing operations can be carried out on second information layer

25 by using laser beam 11 that passes through transparent layer 13, first information layer
23 and optical separation layer 17.
[0092] Substantially the same materials as were used in first dielectric layer 102 of Embodiment
1 can be used in first dielectric layer 302. Additionally, the function of first dielectric layer
302 is substantially the same as for first dielectric layer 102 of Embodiment 1.
[0093] In general, the thicknesses of first dielectric layer 302 can be determined exactly
according to a calculation based on the matrix method, so as to satisfy conditions that
increase the change in the amount of reflected light between the crystalline phase and
amorphous phase of second recording layer 304.
[0094] Substantially the same materials as were used for first interface layer 103 in Embodiment
1 can be used in first interface layer 303. Moreover, the function and form of the interface
layer will also be substantially the same as was explained for first interface layer 103 in
Embodiment 1.
[0095] Substantially the same materials as were used for second interface layer 105 in
Embodiment 1 can be used in second interface layer 305. Moreover, the function and form
of the interface layer will also be substantially the same as was explained for second
interface layer 105 in Embodiment 1.
[0096] Substantially the same materials used in second dielectric layer 106 of Embodiment 1 can
be used in second dielectric layer 306. Additionally, the function and form of the dielectric
layer will also be substantially the same as for second dielectric layer 106 of Embodiment
1.
[0097] Second recording layer 304 can be formed from substantially the same materials as were
used for recording layer 104 of Embodiment 1. The thickness of second recording layer 304
is preferably within the range of 6 nm to 15 nm in order to achieve high recording
sensitivity for second information layer 25. Even within the range, when recording layer
304 is thick, the thermal effect on the adjacent region becomes higher due to the diffusion
of the heat along the in-plane direction. Moreover, when second recording layer 304 is thin,
the reflectance of second information layer 25 becomes smaller. Consequently, it is more
preferable for the film thickness of second recording layer 304 to be within the range 8 nm
to 13 nm.
[0098] Substantially the same materials as were used for reflective layer 108 in Embodiment 1
can be used in second reflective layer 308. Moreover, the function and form of the interface
layer will also be substantially the same as was explained for reflective layer 108 in
Embodiment 1.
[0099] An interface layer can be placed between second reflecting layer 308 and second
dielectric layer 306. For the interface layer, substantially the same materials as were used
for the interface layer in Embodiment 1 can be used. In addition, these will also have
substantially the same form and function as the interface layer in Embodiment 1.

[0100] Information recording medium 24 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
First, second information layer 25 is formed.
Specifically, substrate 14 (for example, of thickness 1.1 mm) is first prepared and is
positioned within a coating apparatus.
[0101] Next, second reflective layer 308 is formed over substrate 14. At this time, if a guide
groove for the purpose of guiding laser beam 11 is to be formed on substrate 14, second
reflective layer 308 is formed on the side where the guide groove is formed. Second
reflective layer 308 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for reflective layer
108 in Embodiment 1.
[0102] Next, interface layer 207 is formed over second reflective layer 308. Interface layer 207
can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106 in
Embodiment 1.
Next, second dielectric layer 306 is formed over second reflective layer 308 or interface
layer. Second dielectric layer 306 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for
second dielectric layer 106 in Embodiment 1.
[0103] Next, second interface layer 305 is formed over second reflective layer 308, interface
layer or second dielectric layer 306. Second interface layer 305 can be formed in
substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106 in Embodiment 1.
[0104] Next, second recording layer 304 is formed over second interface layer 305. Second
recording-layer 304 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for recording-layer
104 in Embodiment 1, by using a sputtering target that corresponds to its composition.
[0105] Next, first interface layer 303 is formed over second recording layer 304. First interface
layer 303 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106
in Embodiment 1.
Next, first dielectric layer 302 is formed over second interface layer 303. First dielectric
layer 302 can be formed in substantially the same manner as for second dielectric layer 106
in Embodiment 1.
[0106] Then, Next, optical separation layer 17 is formed over first dielectric layer 302 of second
information layer 25. Optical separation layer 17 can be formed over first dielectric layer
302 by applying a photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or
a slow-acting resin as a spin coating, after which the resin is cured. Furthermore, when
optical separation layer 17 is provided with a guide groove for laser beam 11, the guide
groove can be formed by bonding resin to a substrate (mold) that forms the groove prior to
curing, after which the resin is cured and then the substrate (mold) is taken up.
[0107] Moreover, after second dielectric layer 302 is formed, or after optical separation layer 17
is formed, depending on the requirements it is also suitable to carry out an initialization
process in which the entire second recording layer 304 is crystallized. The crystallization of
second recording layer 304 can be carried out by irradiating with laser beam 11.

[0108] Next, first information layer 23 is formed over optical separation layer 17.
Specifically, films of adjustable transmittance layer 209, first reflective layer 208, fourth
interface layer 205, first recording layer 204, third interface layer 203 and third dielectric
layer 202 are first formed in order over optical separation layer 17. At this time, fourth
dielectric layer 206 can be formed between first reflective layer 208 and fourth interface
layer 205. Each of these layers can be formed by methods explained in Embodiment 2.
[0109] Finally, transparent layer 13 is formed over third dielectric layer 202. Transparent layer
13 is formed by the method explained in Embodiment 1.
Furthermore, after third dielectric layer 202 is formed, or after transparent layer 13 is
formed, depending on the requirements it is also favorable to carry out an initialization
process in which the entire first recording layer 204 is crystallized. The crystallization of
first recording layer 204 can be carried out by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0110] Additionally, after third dielectric layer 202 is formed, or after transparent layer 13 is
formed, depending on the requirements it is also favorable to carry out an initialization
process in which the entire second recording layer 304 and first recording layer 204 are
crystallized. In this case, if the crystallization of first recording layer 204 is carried out
first, there is a tendency for the laser power required to crystallize second recording layer
304 to grow larger, so that it is preferable for second recording layer 304 to be crystallized
first.
[0111] Information recording medium 24 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0112] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order.
(Embodiment 4)
Another example of an information recording medium of the present invention is
explained in Embodiment 4. A partial cross-sectional diagram of information recording
medium 29 of Embodiment 4 is shown in Fig. 4. Like the information recording medium 15
of Embodiment 1, information recording medium 29 is an optical information recording
medium wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce information by irradiating with
laser beam 11.
[0113] Information recording medium 29 is constituted from substrate 26 over which information
layer 16 and dummy substrate 28 have been laminated, where these are bonded together
through adhesive layer 27.
Substrate 26 and dummy substrate 28 are transparent disk-shaped plates. Resins such as
polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefinPMMA and the like, or glass and the like can be used

in substrate 26 and dummy substrate 28, in substantially the same manner as for substrate
14 in Embodiment 1.
[0114] Depending on the requirements, a guide groove (track pitch: 0.615 (xm) for guiding a laser
beam can be formed on the surface of first dielectric layer 102 side of substrate 26. It is
preferable for the surface of substrate 26, which is the opposite side of the first dielectric
layer 102 side, and the surface of dummy substrate 28, which is the opposite side of the
adhesive layer 27 side, to be smooth. For the material of substrate 26 and dummy substrate
28, polycarbonate is particularly useful from the perspective of superior transcribability,
mass producibility and low cost. Furthermore, the thickness of substrate 26 and dummy
substrate 28 is preferably within the range of 0.3 nm to 0.9 nm, so as to these substrates
have enough strength and the thickness of information recording medium 29 becomes 1.2
mm.
[0115] Adhesive layer 27 is constituted from a resin such as a photocurable resin (particularly an
ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-acting resin that preferably has low light
absorption for laser beam 11 that is used, and preferably has low optical birefringence in
the short-wavelength region. Furthermore, the thickness of adhesive layer 27 is preferably
within the range of 0.6 um to 50 um because of the same reasons in the cases of optical
separation layer 19 and 17.
[0116] In addition, where a component is identified by the same symbol as was used in
Embodiment 1, it will be omitted from the explanation.
Information recording medium 29 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
First, information layer 16 is formed over substrate 26 (of thickness 0.6 mm, for
example). At this time, if a guide groove for the purpose of guiding laser beam 11 is to be
formed in substrate 26, information layer 16 is formed on the side where the guide groove
is formed. Specifically, substrate 26 is positioned within a coating apparatus, and first
dielectric layer 102, first interface layer 103, recording layer 104, second interface layer
105, second dielectric layer 106 and reflective layer 108 are laminated on sequentially.
Furthermore, depending on the requirements, an interface layer is formed between second
dielectric layer 106 and reflective layer 108. Also, depending on the requirements, second
dielectric layer 106 can be absent. The methods for forming the films of the various layers
are substantially the same as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the thickness of first dielectric
layer 102 is desirable within the range of 50 nm to 250 nm, and is more desirable within
the range of 80 nm to 180 nm. Also, the thickness of second dielectric layer 106 is
desirable within the range of 10 nm to 100 nm, and is more desirable within the range of 20
nm to 70 nm. When second dielectric layer 106 is not formed, the thickness of second
interface layer 105 is desirable within the range of 10 nm to 100 nm, and is more preferable
within the range of 20 nm to 70 nm.
[0117] Next, substrate 26 with laminated information layer 16 and dummy substrate 28 (for

/ example, of thickness 0.6 mm) are bonded together using adhesive layer 27. Specifically, a
resin such as a photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a
slow-acting resin is applied to dummy substrate 28, and after dummy substrate 28 with the
adhering spin coating is bonded to substrate 26 with laminated information layer 16, the
resin can be cured. Moreover, an adhesive resin is uniformly applied over dummy substrate
28 beforehand, so that this can be bonded to substrate 26 with laminated information layer
16.
[0118] Furthermore, after substrate 26 and dummy substrate 28 are bonded together, depending
on the requirements, an initialization process can be carried out in which the entire
recording layer 104 is crystallized. The crystallization of recording layer 104 can be carried
out by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0119] Information recording medium 29 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0120] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order.
(Embodiment 5)
An example of an information recording medium of the present invention is explained in
Embodiment 5. A partial cross-sectional diagram of information recording medium 31 of
Embodiment 5 is shown in Fig. 5. Information recording medium 31 is a multilayer optical
information recording medium wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce
information by means of irradiating with laser beam 11 from one side in substantially the
same manner as for information recording medium 22 of Embodiment 2.
[0121] Information recording medium 31 is constituted from N phases of first information layer
23 and information layer 18 sequentially laminated with optical separation layers 17, 19
and the like over substrate 26 and information layer 21 laminated over substrate 30 that are
bonded together through adhesive layer 27.
[0122] Substrate 30 is a transparent, disk-shaped substrate. In substantially the same manner as
for substrate 14, for example, polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefin, PMMA and the like, or
glass can be used in substrate 30.
[0123] Depending on the requirements, a guide groove for guiding the laser beam can be formed
in the surface of the information layer 21 side of substrate 30. It is preferable for a surface
of substrate 30, which is the opposite side of the information layer 21 side, to be smooth.
For the material of substrate 30, polycarbonate is particularly useful from the perspective
of superior transcribability and mass producibility, and low cost. Furthermore, the
thickness of substrate 30 is preferable within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm from the

perspective of having sufficient strength and for the thickness of information recording
medium 31 to be on the order of 1.2 mm.
[0124] In addition, where a component is identified by the same symbol as was used in
Embodiments 2 and 4, it will be omitted from the explanation.
Information recording medium 31 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
[0125] First information layer 23 is first formed over substrate 26 (of thickness 0.6 mm, for
example). At this time, if a guide groove for the purpose of guiding laser beam 11 is to be
formed in substrate 26, first information layer 23 is formed on the side where the guide
groove is formed. Specifically, substrate 26 is positioned within a coating apparatus, and
third dielectric layer 202, third interface layer 203, first recording layer 204, fourth
interface layer 205, first reflective layer 208 and adjustable transmittance layer 209 are
laminated on sequentially. Furthermore, depending on the requirements, fourth dielectric
layer 206 can be formed between fourth interface layer 205 and first reflective layer 208.
The methods for forming the films of the various layers are substantially the same as in
Embodiment 2. Later, (N-2) information layers are laminated sequentially thorough optical
separation layers.
[0126] Additionally, information layer 21 is formed over substrate 30 (of thickness 0.6 mm, for
example). The information layer is constituted from a single-layer film or a multi-layer film,
and such layers can be formed substantially as in Embodiment 2, within a coating apparatus
through the use of sequential sputtering with a sputtering target composed of the material.
[0127] Finally, substrate 26 with a laminated information layer and substrate 30 are bonded
together through adhesive layer 27. Specifically, a resin such as a photocurable resin
(particularly an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin) or a slow-acting resin is applied over
information layer 21, and after the spin coating adhering over information layer 21 is
bonded to substrate 26 having information layer 23 formed thereon, the resin can be cured.
Additionally, an adhesive resin was uniformly applied over information layer 21
beforehand, so that this can be bonded to substrate 26.
[0128] Moreover, after substrate 26 and substrate 30 are bonded together, depending on the
requirements, an initialization process can be carried out in which the entire first recording
layer 204 is crystallized. The crystallization of first recording layer 204 can be carried out
by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0129] Information recording medium 31 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0130] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order.

(Embodiment 6)
In Embodiment 6, N = 2 in the multilayer optical information recording medium of the
present invention in Embodiment 5, in other words an example of an information recording
medium constituted from biphasic information layers is explained. A partial cross-sectional
diagram of information recording medium 32 of Embodiment 6 is shown in Fig. 6.
Information recording medium 32 is a bilayer optical information recording medium
wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce information by means of irradiating with
laser beam 11 from one side in substantially the same manner as for information recording
medium 24 of Embodiment 3.
[0131] Information recording medium 32 is constituted from first information layer 23 on
substrate 26 and second information layer 25 on substrate 30 bonded together through
adhesive layer 27.
Depending on the requirements, a guide groove for guiding a laser beam can be formed
on the surface of the second reflecting layer 308 side of substrate 30. It is preferable for the
surfaces of substrate 30, which is the opposite side of second reflecting layer 308 side, to
be smooth.
[0132] In addition, where a component is identified by the same symbol as was used in
Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 5, it will be omitted from the explanation.
Information recording medium 32 can be manufactured by the method explained below.
[0133] First information layer 23 is first formed over substrate 26 (of thickness 0.6 mm, for
example) in substantially the same manner as in Embodiment 5.
Furthermore, after adjustable transmittance layer 209 is formed, depending on the
requirements, an initialization process can be carried out in which the entire first recording
layer 204 is crystallized. The crystallization of first recording layer 204 can be carried out
by irradiating with a laser beam.
[0134] Additionally, second information layer 25 is formed over substrate 30 (of thickness 0.6
mm, for example). At this time, if a guide groove for the purpose of guiding laser beam 11
is to be formed on substrate 30, second reflective layer 25 is formed on the side where the
guide groove is formed. Specifically, substrate 30 is positioned within a coating apparatus,
and second reflective layer 308, second dielectric layer 306, second interface layer 305,
second recording layer 304, first interface layer 303 and first dielectric layer 302 are
laminated on sequentially. Moreover, depending on the requirements, an interface layer can
be formed between second reflective layer 308 and second dielectric layer 306. The
methods for forming the films of the various layers are substantially the same as in
Embodiment 3.
[01.35] Furthermore, after first dielectric layer 302 is formed, depending on the requirements, an
initialization process can be carried out in which the entire second recording layer 304 is
crystallized. The crystallization of second recording layer 304 can be carried out by

irradiating with laser beam.
[0136] Finally, substrate 26 laminated with first information layer 23 and substrate 30 laminated
with second information layer 25 are bonded together through adhesive layer 27.
Specifically, a resin such as a photocurable resin (particularly an ultraviolet radiation-
curable resin) or a slow-acting resin is applied over first information layer 23 or second
information layer 25, and after substrate 26 and substrate 30 have been bonded together and
spin coated, the resin can be cured. Moreover, an adhesive resin can be uniformly applied
over first information layer 23 or second information layer 25 beforehand, and substrate 26
and substrate 30 can be bonded together.
[0137] In addition, depending on the requirements, an initialization process can be carried out in
which the entire second recording layer 304 and first recording layer 204 are crystallized.
In this case, based on substantially the same reasoning as in Embodiment 3, it is preferable
for second recording layer 304 to be crystallized first.
[0138] Information recording medium 32 can be manufactured in the above manner. Furthermore,
while each of the layers is formed by using the sputtering method in the present
embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this method and it is also possible to use a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0139] In addition, the order of forming each layers are not limited to the above-mentioned
order. -
(Embodiment 7)
The recording and reproducing methods for the information recording media of the
present invention explained in Embodiments 1 to 3 are explained in Embodiment 7.
[0140] A portion of the constitution of recording and reproducing apparatus 38 used in the
recording and reproducing methods of the present invention is shown schematically in Fig.
7. Recording and reproducing apparatus 38 is provided with optical head 36 that is
equipped with spindle motor 33 for rotating information recording apparatus 37,
semiconductor laser 35 and objective lens 34 for focusing laser beam 11 that is output from
semiconductor laser 35. Information recording medium 37 is the information recording
medium explained in Embodiments 1 to 3, and is provided with single information layers
(for example, information layer 16) or multiple information layers (for example, first
information layer 23, second information layer 25). Objective lens 34 focuses laser beam
11 on an information layer.
[0141] The recording, erasing and overwriting of information on the information recording
medium is carried out by modulating the power of laser beam 11, with a high power peak
power (Pp (mW)) and a low power bias power (Pb (mW)). By irradiating with laser beam 11
at peak power, an amorphous phase is formed in a localized portion of the recording layer,
and this amorphous phase becomes the recording mark. Between recording marks,

irradiation at the bias power of laser beam 11 forms a crystalline phase (erased portion).
Furthermore, when laser beam 11 at peak power is irradiated, laser beam 11 generally
forms a pulse sequence, which is referred to as a multipulse. Furthermore, the multipulse
can be modulated only with power levels of the peak power and the bias power, or with
power level within the range of 0 mW to the peak power.
[0142] Additionally, at the power level lower than both the peak power and the bias power there
will be no effect on the optical functioning of the recording mark due to irradiation with
laser beam 11, while the power obtained as a sufficient amount of reflected light in order to
reproduce the recording marks from the information recording medium is the reproducing
power (Pr(mW)), and by reproducing the signal in a detector from the information
recording medium obtained by irradiating with laser beam 11 at reproducing power,
reproducing of the information signal can be performed.
[0143] In order to adjust the laser beam spot diameter within the range of 0.4 um to 0.7 urn, the
numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 is preferably within the range of 0.5 to 1.1,
more preferably within the range of 0.6 to 0.9. The wavelength of laser beam 11 is
preferably crystallization not to occur readily using the reproducing light and to obtain sufficient
erasure performance, the linear information recording speed for the information recording
medium is preferably within the range of 1 m/sec to 20 m/sec (more preferably, within the
range of 2 m/sec to 15 m/sec). •
[0144] For information recording media 24 and 32 that are provided with two information layers,
the focal point of laser beam 11 contacts first recording layer 204 when recording onto first
information layer 23, and information is recorded to first recording layer 204 with laser
beam 11 passing through transparent layer 13. Reproducing from first recording layer 204
is carried out by using laser beam 11 that is reflected by first recording layer 204 and
passes through transparent layer 13. When recording to second information layer 25, the
focal point of laser beam 11 contacts second recording layer 304, and information is
recorded to second information layer 25 with laser beam 11 passing through transparent
layer 13, first information layer 23, and optical separation layer 17. Reproducing from
second recording layer 25 is carried out by using laser beam 11 that is reflected by second
recording layer 304 and passes through optical separation layer 17, first information layer
23 and transparent layer 13.
[0145] Furthermore, when a guide groove for guiding laser beam 11 is formed in substrate 14, or
optical separation layers 20, 19 or 17, information can be recorded on the side of the
surface groove proximal to the laser beam 11 incident side (groove) or on the distal side of
the surface groove (land). Additionally, information can be recorded on both the groove and
the land.
[0146] For the recording capability, the power of laser beam 11 is modulated between 0 to Pp

/ (mW), and by the (1-7) modulation method, random signals from a mark length of 0.149
um (2T) to 0.596 um (8T) are recorded, and recording mark front end and tail end jitter
(mark position error) can be evaluated by measuring with a time interval analyzer. Here,
the smaller the jitter value, the better recording performance. Moreover, Pp and Pb
determined the minimization of the average values for the front end and tail end jitter
(average jitter). This gives the Pp most suitable for recording sensitivity.
[0147] Furthermore, the repeat overwrite cycle number was evaluated, with the power of laser
beam 11 modulated between 0 and Pp (mW), random signals for mark lengths from 0.149
um (2T) to 0.596 um (8T) were recorded continuously, and in each recorded overwrite
cycle the front end and tail end jitter were measured with a time interval analyzer. The
upper limiting value for the repeat overwriting cycle number was a 3% increase with
respect to the front end and tail end average jitter values over one cycle. Here, the Pp and Pb
determined how the average jitter values were minimized.
[0148] In addition, the signal storage stability was evaluated, with the power of laser beam 11
modulated between 0 and Pp (mW), random signals for mark lengths from 0.149 u-m (2T) to
0.596 um (8T) were recorded on the grooves, carried out an accelerated test under an 20%
PvH environment at 80 °C for 100 h, and the amount of jitter change ((jitters after the
acceleration) - (jitters before the acceleration)) after the test was evaluated. Here, Pp and Pb
are determined so as to minimize average jitter values, and each of marks recorded for 10,
100 and 1000 times were evaluated.
(Embodiment 8)
The recording and reproducing methods for the information recording media of the
present invention explained in Embodiments 4 to 6 are explained in Embodiment 8.
[0149] A portion of the constitution of recording and reproducing apparatus 38 used in the
recording and reproducing methods of the present invention is the same as Embodiment 7
and is shown schematically in Fig. 7. Here, where there are the same explanations appeared
in Embodiment 7, they will be omitted. Information recording medium 37 is the
information recording medium explained in Embodiments 4 to 6, and is provided with
single information layers (for example, information layer 16) or multiple information layers
(for example, first information layer 23, second information layer 25).
[0150] In order to adjust the laser beam spot diameter within the range of 0.4 um to 0.7 um, the
numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 is preferably within the range of 0.5 to 1.1,
more preferably within the range of 0.6 to 0.9. The wavelength of laser beam 11 is
preferably crystallization not to occur readily using the reproducing light and to obtain sufficient
erasure performance, the linear information recording speed for the information recording
medium is preferably within the range of 1 m/sec to 20 m/sec (more preferably, within the
range of 2 m/sec to 15 m/sec).

[0151] Furthermore, when a guide groove for guiding laser beam 11 is formed in substrate 14, or
optical separation layers 20, 19 or 17, information can be recorded on the side of the
surface groove proximal to the laser beam 11 incident side (groove) or on the distal side of
the surface groove (land). Additionally, information can be recorded on both the groove and
the land.
[0152] For the recording capability, the power of laser beam 11 is modulated between 0 to Pp
(mW), random signals from a mark length of 0.40 urn (3T) to 1.47 um (1 IT) are recorded,
and recording mark front end and tail end jitter (mark position error) can be evaluated by
measuring with a time interval analyzer. Here, the smaller the jitter value, the better
recording performance. Moreover, Pp and Pb determined the minimization of the average
values for the front end and tail end jitter (average jitter). This gives the Pp most suitable
for recording sensitivity.
[0153] Furthermore, the repeat overwrite cycle number was evaluated, with the power of laser
beam 11 modulated between 0 and Pp (mW), random signals for mark lengths from 0.40 um
(3T) to 1.47 urn (11T) were recorded continuously, and in each recorded overwrite cycle
the front end and tail end jitter were measured with a time interval analyzer. The upper
limiting value for the repeat overwriting cycle number was a 3% increase with respect to
the front end and tail end average jitter values over one cycle. Here, the Pp and Pb
determined such that the average jitter values were minimized.
The signal storage stability was evaluated, with the power of laser beam 11 modulated
between 0 and Pp (mW), random signals for mark lengths from 0.149 um (2T) to 0.596 um
(8T) were recorded on the groove, carried out an accelerated test under an 20% RH
environment at 80 °C for 100 h, and the amount of jitter deterioration (the amount of
archival deterioration) after the test was evaluated. Here, Pp and Pb are determined so as to
minimize average jitter values, and each of marks recorded for 10, 100 and 1000 times
were evaluated.
(Embodiment 9)
An example of an information recording medium of the present invention is explained in
Embodiment 9. One example of a configuration for an electrical information recording
medium 44 of Embodiment 9 is shown in Fig. 8. Electrical information recording medium
44 is an information recording medium wherein it is possible to record and/or reproduce
information by means of applying electrical energy, particularly an electric current.
[0154] A resin substrate such as of polycarbonate and the like, a glass substrate, a ceramic
substrate such as of AI2O3 and the like, various semiconductor substrates such as of Si, and
various metal substrates such as of Cu can be used for substrate 39. The case of an Si
substrate will be explained here. Electrical information recording medium 44 is formed by
sequential lamination of lower electrode 40, first interface layer 401, first recording layer
41, second interface layer 402, third interface layer 403, second recording layer 42, fourth

interface layer 404 and upper electrode 43. Lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43 are
formed in order to apply an electric current to first recording layer 41 and second recording
layer 42. Here, first interface layer 401 and second interface layer 402 are established to
adjust the amount of crystallization time of first recording layer 41, and third interface
layer 403 and fourth interface layer 404 are established to adjust the amount of
crystallization time of second recording layer 42.
[0155] Substantially the same materials as were used for first interface layer 103 in Embodiment
1 can be used in first interface layer 401, second interface layer 402, third interface layer
r4303, forth interface layer 404.
Materials that undergo a reversible phase-change between the crystalline phase and the
amorphous phase by means of Joule heating generated by the application of electrical
current are used in first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42, where the
phenomenon of a change in electrical resistance between the crystalline phase and the
amorphous phase is utilized to record information. The material used for first recording
layer 41 can be substantially the same as that of first recording layer 204 of Embodiment 2,
and the material used for second recording layer 42 can be substantially the same as that of
second recording layer 304 of Embodiment 3.
[0156] First recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 can be formed in substantially the
same manner as first recording layer 204 of Embodiment 2 and second recording layer 304
of Embodiment 3, respectively.
In addition, simple metal materials such as Al, Au, Ag, Cu and Pt can be used for lower
electrode 40 and upper electrode 43, as well as alloy materials that have one or a plurality
of elements from among these as the chief components to which have been added one or a
plurality of other elements that are suitable for increasing the moisture resistance as well as
regulating the thermal conductivity and the like. Lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43
can be formed under an Ar gas atmosphere by sputtering from a material that is a base
metal or a base alloy. Here, the method used for forming the various layers can be a
vacuum deposition method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an MBE method and the
like.
[0157] Electrical information recording medium 44 is electrically connected to electrical
information recording and reproducing apparatus 50 through application unit 45. This
electrical information recording and reproducing apparatus 50 is connected to pulse power
source 48 by means of switch 47 in order to apply an electrical current pulse between lower
electrode 40 and upper electrode 43 to first recording layer 41 and second recording layer
42. Additionally, in order to detect the resistance value due to the phase-changes in first
recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42, resistance meter 46 is connected via
switch 49 between lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43. In order to change first
recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 from the amorphous phase (high

resistance state) to the crystalline phase (low resistance state), switch 47 is closed (switch
49 is opened) to apply an electrical current pulse between the electrodes, and the
temperature of the portion receiving the electrical current pulse will be higher than the
crystallization temperature of the material and lower than the melting point, so that the
crystallization time interval can be maintained. On returning from the crystalline phase to
become amorphous again, an electrical current pulse that is relatively higher than during
crystallization is applied for a shorter time, the temperature of the recording layer rises
higher than the melting point and melts, after which it quickly cools. Furthermore, pulse
power source 48 for electrical information recording and reproducing apparatus 50 can
output the recording/erasing pulse waveforms shown in Fig. 11.
[0158] Here, the resistance value when first recording layer 41 is in the amorphous phase is rai,
the resistance value when first recording layer 41 is in the crystalline phase is rci, the
resistance value when second recording layer 42 is in the amorphous phase is ra2, and the
resistance value when second recording layer 42 is in the crystalline phase is rc2. Here, with
rci different values can be determined for the sums of the resistance values for first recording
layer 41 and second recording layer 42, rai+r.a2, r^+Xgj. ra?+r^i and rci+rc2. Consequently, by
measuring the resistance value for the electrode gap with resistance meter 46, four different
statuses and thus two information values can be detected at one time.
[0159] As shown in Fig. 9, a high capacity electrical information recording medium 51 that is
constituted from a plural arrangement of these electrical information recording media 44 in
a matrix. In each memory cell 54, a configuration substantially the same as electrical
information recording medium 44 is formed in a microscopic region. Information recording
and reproducing operations can be carried out in the various memory cells 54 by
designating one of them by the respective word line 52 and pit line 53.
[0160] Electrical information recording medium 51 is used in Fig. 10, which shows a
configuration example of an information recording system. Storage apparatus 56 is
constituted from electrical information recording medium 51 and address indicator circuit
55. By means of address indicator circuit 55, word line 52 and pit line 53 of electrical
information recording medium 51 are indicated respectively, and information recording and
reproducing operations can be carried out in each of the memory cells 54. Moreover, by
means of an electrical connection from storage apparatus 56 to external circuit 57 that is
constituted by at least pulse power source 58 and resistance meter 59, information
recording and reproducing operations can be carried out to electrical information recording
medium 51.
[0161] [Examples]
Specific modes to implement the present invention are explained in detail by using
examples.

(Example 1)
In Example 1, information recording medium 15 of Fig. 1 was constructed and was
examined with respect to the materials of first interface layer 103 and second interface
layer 105, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability, and signal storage
stability of information layer 16. Specifically, information recording media 15 that includes
information layers 16 with different materials for first interface layer 103 and second
interface layer 105 were constructed, and the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability, and signal storage stability of information layers 16 were measured.
[0162] The samples were manufactured as described below. First, for substrate 14, polycarbonate
substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 1.1 mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth
20 nm, track pitch 0.32 um) was formed for guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following
were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the sequential sputtering method: an Ag-
Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as reflective layer 108, a Dy2C>3 layer (thickness: 15 nm),
second interface layer 105 (thickness: 5 nm), a Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 11 nm) as
recording layer 104, second interface layer 103 (thickness: 5 nm), and a (ZnS)go(SiO2)2o
layer (thickness: 58 nm) as first dielectric layer 102.
[0163] Finally, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over first dielectric layer 102,
and after a uniform resin layer was formed by bonding polycarbonate (diameter 120 mm,
thickness 90 urn) to first dielectric layer 102 and rotating, a 100 um thick transparent layer
13 was formed by curing the resin with ultraviolet radiation. Later, an initialization process
was carried out in which recording layer 104 was crystallized with a laser beam. As
mentioned above, a plurality of information recording media of different materials for first
interface layer 103 and second interface layer 105 were manufactured.
[0164] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity of information layer
16 of information recording medium 15 and the repeat overwriting capability were tested
using the recording and reproducing apparatus 38 in Fig. 7. In this case, the wavelength of
laser beam 11 was 405 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 was 0.85, the
sample linear speeds during measurement were 4.9 m/sec and 9.8 m/sec, and the shortest
mark length (2T) was 0.149 um. Additionally, the information was recorded on the groove.
An accelerated test for the evaluation of the signal storage stability was carried out in a
thermostatic chamber under a humidity of 20% RH environment at 80 °C for 100 h.
[0165] Results are shown for the evaluation of materials of first interface layer 103 and second
interface layer 105 of information layer 16 of information recording medium 15, and the
recording sensitivity and the repeat overwriting capability of information layer 16, in Table
1 for the linear speed of 4.9 m/sec (IX), in Table 2 for the linear speed of 9.8 m/sec (2X)
and in Table 3 for the signal storage stability. Here, Zr-In-0 in the Tables represent
(Zr02)5o(In203)5o, Zr-Cr-0 represent (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o, respectively. Here, for the
recording sensitivity at IX, 6.0 mW and
indicated by A, and >7.0 mW is indicated by X. Moreover, for the recording sensitivity at
2X, 6.5 mW and 7.5 mW is
indicated by X. Also, for the repeat overwriting capability, a repeat overwriting cycle
number of >7000 is indicated by 0, a >4000 but 1000 but
recording marks recorded for 10, 100 and 1000 times, maximum values of the amount of
archival deterioration at >0% and 2% and A, >3% is indicated by X.

[0169] For these results, for Sample No. 1-1 used Ge-N for first interface layer 103 and second
interface layer 105, the repeat overwriting capability at IX was seen to be poor. For Sample
No. 1-2 used for (Zr02)5o(Cr203)so for first interface layer 103 and second interface layer
105, the amount of archival deterioration is large and the signal storage stability was seen
to be poor. For Sample No. 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5, the recording sensitivity, the repeat
overwriting capability and the signal storage stability were favorable. Among these,
particularly for Sample No. 1-5 used (Zr02)5o(Gr203)50 for first interface layer 103 and used

/ (Zr02)5o(In203)5o for second interface layer 105, the recording sensitivity, the repeat
overwriting capability and the signal storage stability were all highly favorable.
[0170] Also, for the structure of Sample No. 1-5, as a composition ratio of ZrC>2 and Cr203 in
first interface layer 103 and a composition ratio of Zr02 and In203 in second interface layer
105 is changed, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal
storage stability for the linear speed of IX and 2X were evaluated. Here, xl is for (ZrC^ioo-
xi(Cr203)xi (provided that 0 2)ioo-yi(In203)yi (provided that 0
in Table 5 for 2X and in Table 6 for the signal storage stability.



[0174] For these results, all Samples showed the favorable characteristics that exceed the results
of Sample No. 1-1. Particularly, since Sample No. 1-5, 1-7, 1-8, 1-11, and 1-12 showed the
more favorable characteristics, conditions of 20 preferable for the material composition of the interface layer.
[0175] (Example 2)
In Example 2, information recording medium 24 of Fig. 3 was constructed and was
examined with respect to the materials of first interface layer 303 and second interface
layer 305, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability, and signal storage
stability of second information layer 25. Specifically, information recording media 24 that
includes second information layers 25 with different materials for first interface layer 303
and second interface layer 305 were constructed, and the recording sensitivity, the repeat
overwriting capability, and signal storage stability of second information layers 25 were
measured.
[0176] The samples were manufactured as described below. First, for substrate 14, polycarbonate
substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 1.1 mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth
20 nm, track pitch 0.32 \im) was formed for guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following
were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the sequential sputtering method: an Ag-
Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as second reflective layer 308, a Dy2C>3 layer (thickness: 15
nm) as second dielectric layer 306, second interface layer 305 (thickness: 5 nm), a
Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as second recording layer 304, first interface layer
303 (thickness: 5 nm), and a (ZnS)So(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 60 nm) as first dielectric
layer 302.
[0177] Next, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over first dielectric layer 302, and
after a uniform resin layer was formed by covering and bonding substrate, on which a guide
groove (depth 20 nm, track pitch 0.32 urn) was formed, on first dielectric layer 302, the
resin was cured. Then, substrate was peeled. By these processes, optical separation layer 17
with thickness of 25 um was formed, on which the guide groove leading laser beam 11 was
formed at the side of first information layer 23.

/[0178] After this, the following were laminated on this optical separation layer 17 by the
sequential sputtering method: a TiC^ layer (thickness: 20 nm) as adjustable transmittance
layer 209, an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 10 nm) as first reflective layer 208, an
(ZrC>2)25(SiO2)25(In2O3)50 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as fourth interface layer 205, a
Ge28SnsBi2Te34 layer (thickness: 6 nm) as first recording layer 204, an
(ZrO2)25(SiC>2)25(Cr2O3)50 layer (thickness: 5 nm) as third interface layer 203, and a
(ZnS)go(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 40 nm) as third dielectric layer 202.
[0179] Finally, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over third dielectric layer 202,
and after a uniform resin layer was formed by bonding polycarbonate (diameter 120 mm,
thickness 65 um) to third dielectric layer 202 and rotating, a 75 um thick transparent layer
13 was formed by curing the resin with ultraviolet radiation. Later, an initialization process
was carried out in which second recording layer 304 and first recording layer 204 were
crystallized with a laser beam. As mentioned above, a plurality of information recording
media of different materials for first interface layer 303 and second interface layer 305
were manufactured.
[0180] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability and the signal storage stability of second information layer 25 of information
recording medium 24 were tested using the recording and reproducing apparatus 38 in Fig.
7. In this case, the wavelength of laser beam 11 was 405 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of
objective lens 34 was 0.85, the sample linear speeds during measurement were 4.9 m/sec
and 9.8 m/sec, and the shortest mark length (2T) was 0.149 (xm. Additionally, information
is recorded on the groove.
[0181] Results are shown for the evaluation of materials of first interface layer 303 and second
interface layer 305 of second information layer 25 of information recording medium 24,
and the recording sensitivity and the repeat overwriting capability of second information
layer 25, in Table 7 for the linear speed of 4.9 m/sec (IX), in Table 8 for the linear speed of
9.8 m/sec (2X) and in Table 9 for the signal storage stability. Here, Zr-In-0 in the Tables
represent (Zr02)5o(In203)5o, Zr-Cr-0 represent (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o, respectively. Here, for the
recording sensitivity at IX, 12 mW and by A, and >13 mW is indicated by X. Also, for the recording sensitivity at 2X, indicated by O, >13 mW and 14 mW is indicated by X.
For the repeat overwriting capability, a repeat overwriting cycle number of >7000 is
indicated by 9, a >4000 but 1000 but and for 10, 100 and 1000 times, maximum values of the amount of archival deterioration at
>0% and 2% and 3% is indicated by X.
[0182] (Table 7)


[0185] For these results, for Sample No. 2-1 used Ge-N for first interface layer 303 and second
interface layer 305, the repeat overwriting capability at IX was seen to be poor. For Sample
No. 2-2 used for (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o for first interface layer 103 and second interface layer
105, the amount of archival deterioration is large and the signal storage stability was seen
to be poor. For Sample No. 2-3, 2-4 and 2-5, the recording sensitivity, the repeat
overwriting capability and the signal storage stability were favorable. Among these,
particularly for Sample No. 2-5 used (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o for first interface layer 303 and used
(Zr02)5o(In203)5o for second interface layer 305, the recording sensitivity, the repeat
overwriting capability and the signal storage stability were all highly favorable.
[0186] Also, for the structure of Sample No. 2-5, as a composition ratio of Zr02 and Cr203 in
first interface layer 303 and a composition ratio of Zr02 and ln203 in second interface layer
305 is changed, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal
storage stability for the linear speed of IX and 2X were evaluated. Here, xl is for (Zr02)ioo-
X2(Cr203)X2 (provided that 0 IX, in Table 11 for 2X and in Table 12 for the signal storage stability.


[0190] For these results, all Samples showed the favorable characteristics that exceed the results
of Sample No. 1-1. Particularly, since Sample No. 2-5, 2-7, 2-8, 2-11, and 2-12 showed the

j more favorable characteristics, conditions of 20 preferable for the material composition of the interface layer.
[0191] (Example 3)
In Example 3, information recording medium 24 of Fig. 3 was constructed and was
examined with respect to the materials of third interface layer 203 and forth interface layer
205, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability, and signal storage stability
of first information layer 23. Specifically, information recording media 24 that include first
information layers 23 with different materials for third interface layer 203 and forth
interface layer 205 were constructed, and the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability, and signal storage stability of first information layers 23 were measured.
[0192] The samples were manufactured as described below. First, for substrate 14, polycarbonate
substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 1.1 mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth
20 nm, track pitch 0.32 um) was formed for guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following
were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the sequential sputtering method: an Ag-
Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as second reflective layer 208, a Dy203 layer (thickness: 15
nm) as second dielectric layer 306, a (ZrC>2)25(SiO2)25(Iri2O3)50 layer (thickness: 5 nm) as
second interface layer 305, a Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as second recording
layer 304, a (ZrC>2)25(SiO2)2s(Cr2O3)50 layer as first interface layer 303 (thickness: 5 nm),
and a (ZnS)8o(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 60 nm) as first dielectric layer 302.
[0193] Next, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over first dielectric layer 302, and
after a uniform resin layer was formed by covering and bonding substrate, on which a guide
groove (depth 20 nm, track pitch 0.32 um) was formed, on first dielectric layer 302, the
resin was cured. Then, substrate was peeled. By these processes, optical separation layer 17
with thickness of 25 um was formed, on which the guide groove leading laser beam 11 was
formed at the side of first information layer 23.
[0194] After this, the following were laminated on this optical separation layer 17 by the
sequential sputtering method: a TiC>2 layer (thickness: 20 nm) as adjustable transmittance
layer 209, an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 10 nm) as first reflective layer 208, fourth
interface layer 205 (thickness: 10 nm), a Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 6 nm) as first
recording layer 204, as third interface layer 203 (thickness: 5 nm), and a (ZnS)go(SiO2)2o
layer (thickness: 40 nm) as third dielectric layer 202.
[0195] Finally, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over third dielectric layer 202,
and after a uniform resin layer was formed by bonding polycarbonate (diameter 120 mm,
thickness 65 um) to third dielectric layer 202 and rotating, a 75 um thick transparent layer
13 was formed by curing the resin with ultraviolet radiation. Later, an initialization process
was carried out in which second recording layer 304 and first recording layer 204 were
crystallized with a laser beam. As mentioned above, a plurality of information recording
media of different materials for third interface layer 203 and forth interface layer 205 were

manufactured.
[0196] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity, the recording
sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal storage stability of first
information layer 23 of information recording medium 24 were tested using the recording
and reproducing apparatus 38 in Fig. 7. In this case, the wavelength of laser beam 11 was
405 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 was 0.85, the sample linear speeds
during measurement were 4.9 m/sec and 9.8 m/sec, and the shortest mark length (2T) was
0.149 |im. Additionally, information can be recorded on the groove.
[0197] Results are shown for the evaluation of materials of third interface layer 203 and fourth
interface layer 205 of first information layer 23 of information recording medium 24, and
the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and signal storage stability of
first information layer 23, in Table 13 for the linear speed of 4.9 m/sec (IX), in Table 14
for the linear speed of 9.8 m/sec (2X) and in Table 15 for the signal storage stability. Here,
Zr-In-0 in the Tables represent (Zr02)5o(In203)5o, Zr-Cr-0 represent (Zr02)so(Cr203)5o,
respectively. Here, for the recording sensitivity at IX, 12 mW
and 13 mW is indicated by X. Also, for the recording
sensitivity at 2X, 13 mW and >14 mW is indicated by X. For the repeat overwriting capability, a repeat overwriting cycle
number of >3000 is indicated by 9, a >2000 but 500 but
recording marks recorded for 10, 100 and 1000 times, maximum values of the amount of
archival deterioration at >0% and 2% and A, >3% is indicated by X.



[0201] For these results, for Sample No. 3-1 used Ge-N for third interface layer 203 and forth
interface layer 205, the recording sensitivity at IX and 2X and the repeat overwriting
capability at IX were seen to be poor. For Sample No. 3-2 used for (Zr02)5o(Cr203)so for
first interface layer 103 and second interface layer 105, the amount of archival
deterioration is large and the signal storage stability was seen to be poor. For Sample No.
3-3, 3-4 and 3-5, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal
storage stability were favorable. Among these, particularly for Sample No. 3-5 used
(ZrC>2)5o(Cr203)5o for third interface layer 203 and used (Zr02)5o(In203)so for fourth
interface layer 205, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the
signal storage stability were all highly favorable.
Also, for the structure of Sample No. 2-5, as a composition ratio of ZrC>2 and O2O3 in
first interface layer 203 and a composition ratio of Zr02 and In2C>3 in second interface layer
205 is changed, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal
storage stability for the linear speed of IX and 2X were evaluated. Here, x3 is for (Zr02)ioo-
X3(Cr203)X3 (provided that 0 IX, in Table 17 for 2X and in Table 18 for the signal storage stability.



[0205] For these results, all Samples showed the favorable characteristics that exceed the results
of Sample No. 1-1. Particularly, since Sample No. 3-5, 3-7, 3-8, 3-11, and 3-12 showed the
more favorable characteristics, conditions of 20 preferable for the material composition of the interface layer.
[0206] (Example 4)
In Example 4, information recording medium 29 of Fig. 4 was constructed and the same
experiment as Example 1 was carried out.
The samples were manufactured as described below. First, for substrate 26, polycarbonate
substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 0.6 mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth
40 nm, track pitch 0.615 um) was formed for guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following
were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the sequential sputtering method: a
(ZnS)8o(SiC>2)2o layer (thickness: 60 nm) as first dielectric layer 102, first interface layer
103 (thickness: 5 nm), a Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as recording layer 104,
second interface layer 105 (thickness: 5 nm), a Dy2C>3 layer (thickness: 12 nm) as second
dielectric layer 106, and an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as reflective layer 108.

[0207] Then, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over dummy substrate 28, and
after a uniform resin layer (thickness: 20 urn) was formed by bonding reflective layer 108
of substrate 26 to dummy substrate 28 and rotating, substrate 26 and dummy substrate 28
were adhered with adhesive layer 27 therebetween. Finally, an initialization process was
carried out in which all surface of recording layer 104 was crystallized with a laser beam.
[0208] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability and the signal storage stability of information layer 16 of information recording
medium 29 were tested by the same method as Example 1. In this case, the wavelength of
laser beam 11 was 660 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 was 0.65, the
sample linear speeds during measurement were 8.6 m/sec and 21.5 m/sec, and the shortest
mark length was 0.42 um. Additionally, the information was recorded on the groove and the
land.
[0209] For these results, same as Example 1, when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)50 or (Zr02)5o(In203)50 was
used for first interface layer 103 and second interface layer 105 in information layer 16, the
recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal storage stability were
seen to be favorable. Among these, particularly when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o was used for first
interface. layer 103 and (Zr02)5o(Iri203)5o was used for second interface layer 105,
information recording medium 29 having information layer 16 with all highly favorable
recording sensitivity, repeat overwriting capability and signal storage stability were
obtained.
[0210] (Example 5)
In Example 5, information recording medium 32 of Fig. 6 was constructed and the same
experiment as Example 2 was carried out.
The samples were manufactured as described below.
First, as substrate 26, polycarbonate substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 0.6 mm) were
prepared and a guide groove (depth 40 nm, track pitch 0.615 um) was formed for guiding
laser beam 11. Next, the following were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the
sequential sputtering method: a (ZnS)go(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 40 nm) as third dielectric
layer 202, a (ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(Cr2O3)50 layer (thickness: 5 nm) as third interface layer 203, a
Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 6 nm) as first recording layer 204, a
(Zr02)25(SiO2)25(In203)5o (thickness: 10 nm) as forth dielectric layer 205, an Ag-Pd-Cu
layer (thickness: 10 nm) as first reflective layer 208, and a TiC>2 layer (thickness: 20 nm) as
adjustable transmittance layer 209.
[0211] In addition, for substrate 30, polycarbonate substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 0.58
mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth 40 nm, track pitch 0.58 urn) was formed for
guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate
by the sequential sputtering method: an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as second
reflective layer 208, a Dy203 layer (thickness: 15 nm) as second dielectric layer 306,

second interface layer 305 (thickness: 5 nm), a Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as
second recording layer 304, first interface layer 303 (thickness: 5 nm), and a
(ZnS)go(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 60 nm) as first dielectric layer 302.
[0212] Then, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over first dielectric layer 302 of
substrate 30, and after a uniform resin layer (thickness: 20 urn) was formed by bonding
adjustable transmittance layer 209 of substrate 26 to substrate 30 and rotating, substrate 26
and substrate 30 were adhered with adhesive layer 27 therebetween by curing the resin with
ultraviolet radiation. Finally, an initialization process was carried out in which all surface
of second recording layer 304 and first recording layer 104 was crystallized with a laser
beam.
[0213] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability and the signal storage stability of second information layer 25 of information
recording medium 32 and were tested by the same method as Example 2. In this case, the
wavelength of laser beam 11 was 660 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 was
0.65, the sample linear speeds during measurement were 8.6 m/sec and 21.5 m/sec, and the
shortest mark length was 0.42 urn. Additionally, the information was recorded on the
groove and the land.
[0214] For these results, same as Example 2, when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)so or (Zr02)5o(In203)5o was
used for first interface layer 303 and second interface layer 305 in second information layer
25, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal storage
stability were seen to be favorable. Among these, particularly when (Zr02)so(Cr203)5o was
used for first interface layer 303 and (Zr02)5o(In203)so was used for second interface layer
305, information recording medium 32 having second information layer 25 with all highly
favorable recording sensitivity, repeat overwriting capability and signal storage stability
were obtained.
[0215] (Example 6)
In Example 6, information recording medium 32 of Fig. 6 was constructed and the same
experiment as Example 3 was carried out.
The samples were manufactured as described below. First, as substrate 26, polycarbonate
substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 0.6 mm) were prepared and a guide groove (depth
40 nm, track pitch 0.615 um) was formed for guiding laser beam 11. Next, the following
were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the sequential sputtering method: a
(ZnS)8o(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 40 nm) as third dielectric layer 202, third interface layer
203 (thickness: 5 nm), a Ge2gSn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 6 nm) as first recording layer 204,
fourth interface layer 205 (thickness: 10 nm), an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 10 nm) as first
reflective layer 208, and a TiC>2 layer (thickness: 20 nm) as adjustable transmittance layer
209.
[0216] As substrate 30, polycarbonate substrates (diameter 120 mm, thickness 0.58 mm) were

prepared and a guide groove (depth 40 nm, track pitch 0.615 urn) was formed for guiding
laser beam 11. Next, the following were laminated on this polycarbonate substrate by the
sequential sputtering method: an Ag-Pd-Cu layer (thickness: 80 nm) as second reflective
layer 208, a Dy2C>3 layer (thickness: 15 nm) as second dielectric layer 306,
(ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(In2C>3)50 layer (thickness: 5 nm) as second interface layer 305, a
Ge28Sn3Bi2Te34 layer (thickness: 10 nm) as second recording layer 304, a
(ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(Cr2O3)50 layer (thickness: 5 nm) as first interface layer 303, and a
(ZnS)go(SiO2)2o layer (thickness: 60 nm) as first dielectric layer 302.
[0217] Next, an ultraviolet radiation-curable resin was applied over first dielectric layer 302 of
substrate 30, and after a uniform resin layer (thickness: 20 nm) was formed by bonding
adjustable transmittance layer 209 of substrate 26 to a substrate 30 and rotating, substrate
26 and substrate 30 are adhered with adhesive layer 27 therebetween. Finally, an
initialization process was carried out in which all surface of second recording layer 304 and
first recording layer 204 were crystallized with a laser beam.
[0218] With the samples obtained in this manner, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability and signal storage stability of first information layer 23 of information recording
medium 32 were tested by the same method as Example 3. In this case, the wavelength of
laser beam 11 was 660 nm, numerical aperture (NA) of objective lens 34 was 0.65, the
sample linear speeds during measurement were 8.6 m/sec and 21.5 m/sec, and the shortest
mark length was 0.42 um. Additionally, the information was recorded on the groove and the
land.
[0219] For these results, same as Example 3, when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o or (Zr02)5o(In203)so was
used for third interface layer 203 and fourth interface layer 205 in second information layer
23, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the signal storage
stability were seen to be favorable. Particularly, when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o is used for the
third interface layer 203, (Zr02)5o(In203)5o is used for the fourth interface layer 205,
information recording medium 32 having second information layer 32 with all highly
favorable recording sensitivity, repeat overwriting capability and signal storage stability
were obtained.
[0220] (Example 7)
In Example 1 to 6, the same experiments were performed when second dielectric layer
106 and 306 were not placed, and the same results as in Example 1 to 6 were obtained.
Particularly, when (Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o was used for an interface layer (first interface layer
103, 303 and third interface layer 203) which is closer to the laser incident side than a
recording layer, and (Zr02)5o(In203)5o was used for an interface layer (second interface
layerl05, 305 and fourth interface layer 205) which is closer to a reflective layer side than
a recording layer, an information recording medium with all highly favorable recording
sensitivity, repeat overwriting capability and signal storage stability were obtained. For

these structures, the thickness of second interface layer 105 and 305 were 20nm.
[0221] (Example 8)
Further to Example 1 to 6, the same experiments were performed when a Cr-containing
layer was placed between an In-containing layer of an interface layer and a recording layer,
and the same results as in Example 1 to 6 were obtained.
[0222] (Example 9)
Further to Example 1 to 6, the same experiments were performed when a C-containing
layer that contains carbon was further placed either between an In-containing layer of an
interface layer and a recording layer and/or between a Cr-containing layer and a recording
layer, and the same results as in Example 1 to 6 were obtained.
[0223] (Example 10)
In Example 1 to 9, the same experiments were performed when an In-containing layer
contains not only Zr, but at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si, the
same results as in Example 1 to 9 were obtained. Also, when the In-containing layer further
contains Cr, the same results as in Example 1 to 9 were obtained.
[0224] Here, as one example, in Example 1, the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting
capability and the signal storage stability for the linear speed of IX and 2X were evaluated.
(Zr02)5o(Cr203)5o was used for first interface layer 103, and (Hf02)5o(In203)5o (referred to
as Hf-In-0 in the Table), (Ga203)5o(In203)so (referred to as Ga-In-0 in the Table),
(Dy203)so(In203)5o (referred to as Dy-In-0 in the Table), (¥203)50(1^03)50 (referred to -as
Y-In-O in the Table), (SiO2)5o(In203)5o (referred to as Si-In-0 in the Table),
(ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(In2O3)50 (referred to as Zr-Si-In-0 in the Table), (ZrO2)45(Y2O3)5(In2O3)50
(referred to as Zr-Y-In-0 in the Table), (Cr203)5o(In203)5o (referred to as Cr-In-0 in the
Table), ^02)25(0^03)25(1^03)50 (referred to as Zr-Cr-In-0 in the Table) and
(Zr02)2o(SiO2)io(Cr203)2o(In203)5o (referred to as Zr-Si-Cr-In-0 in the Table) were used for
second interface layer 105. Results are shown in Table 19 for IX, in Table 20 for 2X and in
Table 21 for the signal storage stability.



[0228] (Example 11)
In Example 1 to 10, the same experiments were performed when an Cr-containing layer
contains not only Zr, but at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si, the
same results as in Example 1 to 10 were obtained. Here, (Hf02)5o(Cr203)5o (referred to as
Hf-Cr-0 in the Table), (Ga203)5o(Cr203)5o (referred to as Ga-Cr-0 in the Table),
(In203)5o(Cr203)50 (referred to as In-Cr-0 in the Table), (Y203)5o(Cr203)5o (referred to as Y-
Cr-0 in the Table), (SiO2)5o(Cr203)5o (referred to as Si-Cr-0 in the Table),
(ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(Cr2O3)50 (referred to as Zr-Si-Cr-0 in the Table), (ZrO2)45(Y2O3)5(Cr2O3)50
(referred to as Zr-Y-Cr-0 in the Table), (ZrO2)25(In2O3)25(Cr2O3)50 (referred to as Zr-In-Cr-
O in the Table) and (Zr02)20(SiO2)io(In203)2o(Cr203)5o (referred to as Zr-Si-In-Cr-0 in the
Table) were used for first interface layer 103. Also, (Zr02)so(In203)5o was used for second
interface layer 105, and the recording sensitivity, the repeat overwriting capability and the
signal storage stability for the linear speed of IX and 2X were evaluated. Results are shown
in Table 22 for IX, in Table 23 for 2X and in Table 24 for the signal storage stability.
[0229] (Table 22)


[0232] (Example 12)
In Example 12, electrical information recording medium 44 of Fig. 8 was manufactured,
and the phase-change due to application of an electrical current was observed.
[0233] A silicon substrate with a nitride-treated surface was prepared as substrate 39, on which
was laminated by the sequential sputtering method: Pt (surface area: 6 urn x 6 um;
thickness: 0.1 um), used for lower electrode 40; (ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(Cr2O3)50 (surface area: 4.5
um x 5 um; thickness: 0.01 um), used for first interface layer 401; Ge22Bi2Te25 (surface
area: 5 um x 5 um; thickness: 0.1 um), used for first recording layer 41;

(ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(In2O3)50 (surface area: 4.5 (a.m x 5 um; thickness: 0.01 am), used for
second interface layer 402; (ZrCh^SiCh^CrsC^so (surface area: 4.5 urn x 5 um;
thickness: 0.01 um), used for third interface layer 403; Sb7oTe2sGe5 (surface area: 5 um x 5
um; thickness: 0.1 um), used for second recording layer 42; (ZrO2)25(SiO2)25(Cr2O3)50
(surface area: 4.5 urn x 5 um; thickness: 0.01 um), used for fourth interface layer 404; and,
Pt (surface area: 5 um x 5 um; thickness: 0.1 um), used for upper electrode 43. First
interface layer 401, second interface layer 402, third interface layer 403 and, fourth
interface layer 404 were insulators. Consequently, in order for electric current to flow in
first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42, the films of first interface layer 401,
second interface layer 402, third interface layer 403 and, fourth interface layer 404 had to
be formed with a smaller surface area than that of first recording layer 41 and second
recording layer 42, and these interface layers contacted with lower electrode 40, first
recording layer 41, second recording layer 42 and upper electrode 43, respectively.
[0234] Then, lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43 were bonded to Au lead lines, and
electrical information recording medium 44 was connected to electrical information
recording and reproducing apparatus 50 through application unit 45. From this electrical
information recording and reproducing apparatus 50, pulse electrical source 48 was
connected between lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43 by means of switch 47, and
furthermore the changes in resistance value due to the phase-changes in first recording
layer 41 and second recording layer 42 could be detected by means of resistance meter 46
connected via switch 49 between lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43.
[0235] Here, the melting point Tmi of first recording layer 41 was 630 °C, the crystallization
temperature Txi was 170 °C and the crystallization time txl was 100 ns. In addition, the
melting point Tm2 of second recording layer 42 was 550 °C, the crystallization temperature
TX2 was 200 °C and the crystallization time tx2 was 50 ns. Moreover, the resistance rai of the
amorphous phase from first recording layer 41 was 500 Q., the resistance rci for the
crystalline phase was 10 Q, resistance ra2 of the amorphous phase from second recording
layer 42 was 500 Q., and the resistance rC2 for the crystalline phase was 20 Q..
[0236] If first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 are both in the amorphous phase
(status 1), and electrical current pulse of Ici = 5 mA, tci = 150 ns in the waveform 501
shown in Fig. 11 was applied between lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43, only first
recording layer 41 would undergo the transition from amorphous to crystalline (referred to
below as Status 2). Additionally, in Status 1, when an electrical current pulse of Ic2 = 10
mA and tc2 = 100 ns in recording waveform 502 shown in Fig. 11 was applied between
lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43, only second recording layer 42 would undergo
the transition from amorphous to crystalline (referred to below as Status 3). Additionally, in
Status 1, when an electrical current pulse of IC2 = 10 mA and tci = 150 ns in recording
waveform 503 shown in Fig. 11 was applied between lower electrode 40 and upper

electrode 43, both first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 would undergo the
transition from amorphous to crystalline (referred to below as Status 4).
[0237] Next, in the low resistance state (Status 4) where both first recording layer 41 and second
recording layer 42 were in the crystalline phase, when an electrical current pulse of Iai = 20
mA, IC2 = 10 mA and tC2 = 100 ns was applied between lower electrode 40 and upper
electrode 43, only first recording layer 41 would undergo the transition from crystalline to
amorphous (Status 3). Moreover, in Status 4, when an electrical current pulse of Ia2 = 15
mA and ta2 = 50 ns in recording waveform 505 shown in Fig. 11 was applied between lower
electrode 40 and upper electrode 43, only second recording layer 42 would undergo the
transition from crystalline to amorphous (Status 2). Additionally, in Status 4, when an
electrical current pulse of Iai = 20 mA, tai = 50 ns in erasing waveform 506 shown in Fig.
11 was applied between lower electrode 40 and upper electrode 43, both first recording
layer 41 and second recording layer 42 would undergo the transition from crystalline to
amorphous (Status 1).
[0238] Furthermore, in either Status 2 or Status 3, when an electrical current pulse of Io2 =10 mA
and tci = 150 ns in recording waveform 503 shown in Fig. 11 was applied, both first
recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 would undergo the transition from
amorphous to crystalline (Status 4). In addition, in either Status 2 or Status 3, when an
electrical current pulse of Iai = 20 mA, IC2 = 10 mA, tcl = 150 ns and tai =50 ns in erasing
waveform 507 shown in Fig. 11 was applied, both first recording layer 41 and second
recording layer 42 would undergo the transition from crystalline to amorphous (Status 1).
Moreover, in Status 2, when an electrical current pulse of Iai = 20 mA, IC2 = 10 mA, tc2 =
100 ns and tai = 50 ns in recording waveform 508 shown in Fig. 11 was applied, first
recording layer 41 would undergo a transition from crystalline to amorphous and second
recording layer 42 would undergo a transition from amorphous to crystalline (Status 3). In
addition, in Status 3, when an electrical current pulse of Ia2 = 15 mA, Ici = 5 mA, tci = 150
ns and ta2 =50 ns in recording waveform 509 shown in Fig. 11 was applied, first recording
layer 41 would undergo a transition from amorphous to crystalline and second recording
layer 42 would undergo a transition from crystalline to amorphous (Status 2).
[0239] From the above results, in electrical phase-change information recording medium 44 of
Fig. 8, first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 undergo electrical, reversible
changes between the respective crystalline and amorphous phases, and it is known to be
possible to realize four types of status (Status 1: first recording layer 41 and second
recording layer 42 are both in the amorphous phase; Status 2: first recording layer 41 is in
the crystalline phase and second recording layer 42 is in the amorphous phase; Status 3:
first recording layer 41 is in the amorphous phase and second recording layer 42 is in the
crystalline phase; Status 4: first recording layer 41 and second recording layer 42 are both
in the crystalline phase).

y
[0240] Additionally, when the repeat overwrite capability electrical phase-change information
recording medium 44 of is measured, with first interface layer 401, second interface layer
402, third interface layer 403 and fourth interface layer 404, it is known that there can be
an approximately >10-fold increase compared to the case where the dielectric layers are
absent. This is because first interface layer 401, second interface layer 402, third interface
layer 403 and fourth interface layer 404 act to suppress mass transfer from lower electrode
40 and from upper electrode 43 to first recording layer 41 and to second recording layer 42.
[0241] According to the present invention, regardless of the number of information layers, an
optical information recording medium with improved transmittance and signal strength of
the information layers can be offered .
Embodiments of the present invention are described with the examples, however, the
present invention is not limited to the above mentioned Embodiments and can be applied to
other Embodiments based on the technical ideas of the present invention
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0242] According to the information recording media of the present invention, since the
recording sensitivity and the signal storage stability of the information layer can be
improved, the media possess qualities for the long-term storage of data (non-volatile), and
are useful for high-density overwritable-type or one write-type optical disks and the like.
This invention is also suitable for application to non-volatile electrical memory.

WE CLAIM
1. An information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) comprising:
one or more information layers (16,23,25) that include a phase-change
recording layer (104,204,304), the recording layer (104,204,304) having a
surface with a first side and a second side,
wherein at least one of the information layers (16,23,25) comprises a Cr-
containing layer containing Cr and O (103,105,203,205,303,305) that
contact the first side of the surface of the recording layer (104,204,304)
and an In-containing layer (105,103,205,203,305,303) containing In and
O, that contact the second side of the surface of the recording layer
(104,204,304),
wherein both the Cr-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and the
In-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) are Sn-free, and
wherein one of the Cr-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and
the In-containing layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) is in contact with a
ZnS-free dielectric layer (103,105,203,205,303,305).
2. The information recording medium (22,24,32) as claimed in Claim 1,
comprising two or more said information layers (23,25) that include the
phase-change recording layer (204,304).
3. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 1, wherein the information layer (16,23,25) comprises a first
interface layer (103,203,303), the recording layer (104,204,304), and a
second interface layer (105,205,305) in this order from a laser beam (11)
incident side, and

the first interface layer (103,203,303) is the Cr-containing layer, and the
second interface layer (105,205,305) is the In- containing layer.
4. The information recording medium (12,13,22,28,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 3, wherein the information layer (16,23,25) also comprises a
reflective layer (108,208,308), a second dielectric layer (106,206,306),
and a first dielectric layer (102,202,302),
the information layer comprises the first dielectric layer (102,202,302), the
first interface layer (103,203,303), the recording layer (16,23,25), the
second interface layer (105,205,305), the second dielectric layer
(106,206,306), and the reflective layer (108,208,308) in this order from
the laser beam (11) incident side, and
wherein the second dielectric layer (106,206,306) is the ZnS-free dielectric
layer.
5. The information recording medium (22,24,32) as claimed in Claim 2,
wherein the two or more said information layers (23,25) comprises a first
information layer (23) proximal to a laser beam (11) incident side of the
information layers (16,23,25) which comprises a third dielectric layer
(202), a third interface layer (203), the recording layer (204), a fourth
interface layer (205), a reflective layer (208), and an adjustable
transmittance layer (209) in this order from the laser beam (11) incident
side, and
the third interface layer (203) is the Cr-containing layer, and the fourth
interface layer (205) is the In- containing layer.
6. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed

in Claim 1, wherein the information layer (16,23,25) includes a first
interface layer (103,203,303), the recording layer (104,204,304), and a
second interface layer (105,205,305) in this order from a laser beam (11)
incident side, and
the first interface layer (103,203,303) is the In-containing layer, and the
second interface layer (105,205,305) is the Cr- containing layer
(103,203,303).
7. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37), as claimed
in Claim 6, wherein the information layer (16,23,25) additionally
comprises a reflective layer (108,208,308), a second dielectric layer
(106,206,306), and a first dielectric layer (102,202,302), and
the information layer (16,23,25)), comprises the first dielectric layer
(102,202,302), the first interface layer (103,203,303), the recording layer
(104,204,304), the second interface layer (105,205,305), the second
dielectric layer (106,206,306), and the reflective layer (108,208,308) in
this order from the laser beam (11) incident side.
8. The information recording medium (22,24,32) as claimed in Claim 2,
wherein the two or more said information layers (23,25) comprises a first
information layer (23) proximal to the laser beam (11) incident side of the
information layers (23,25) comprises a third dielectric layer (202), a third
interface layer (203), the recording layer (204), a fourth interface layer
(205), a reflective layer (208), and an adjustable transmittance layer
(209) in this order from a laser beam (11) incident side, and
the third interface layer (203) is the In-containing layer, and the fourth
interface layer (205) is the Cr- containing layer.

9. An information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37), comprising:
one or more information layers (16,23,25) that include a phase-change
recording layer (104,204,304), the recording layer (104,204,304),
including a first side and a second side,
wherein at least one of the information layers (16,23,25), comprises two
In-containing layers (103,105,205,303,305) containing In and O, a first
In-containing layer (103,203,303), of the two In-containing layers
(103,105,203,205,303,305) being in contact with the first side of the
recording layer (104,204,304), while a second In-containing layer
(105,205,305) of the two In- containing layers
(103,105,203,205,303,305), being in contact with the second side of the
recording layer (104,204,304), wherein the two In-containing layers
(103,105,203,205,303,305), are Sn-free, and
wherein one of the first and second In-containing layers
(103,105,203,205,303,305) is in contact with a ZnS-free dielectric layer
(102,106,202,206,302,306).
10.The information recording medium (22,24,32) as claimed in Claim 9,
comprising two or more said information layers (23,25) that include the
phase-change recording layer (204,304).
11.The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 9, wherein the information layer (16,23,25) comprises a first
dielectric layer (102,202,302), a first interface layer (103,203,303), the
recording layer (104,204,304), a second interface layer (105,205,305), a
second dielectric layer (106,206,306), and a reflective layer (108,208,308)
in this order from a laser beam (11) incident side,

the first interface layer (103,203,303) and the second interface layer
(105,205,305) are the first and second In- containing layers, and
wherein the second dielectric layer (106,206,306) is the ZnS-free dielectric
layer.
12. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37), as claimed
in Claim 1, wherein the Cr-containing layer (103,203,303) comprises Cr,
O, and at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si.
13.The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 12, wherein the Cr-containing layer (103,203,303) comprises
Cr2C>3, and at least one oxide selected from Zr02, Hf02, Ga203, ln203, Y203
and SiO2.
14. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 1, wherein the In-containing layer (105,205,305) comprises In,
O, and at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si.
15.The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 14, wherein the In-containing layer (105,205,305) comprises
ln203, and at least one oxide selected from Zr02, Hf02, Ga203, Y203, Dy203
and SiO2.
16.The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 14, wherein the In-containing layer (105,205,305) also comprises
Cr.
17. The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed

in Claim 16, wherein the In-containing layer (105,205,305) further
comprises Cr2O3.
18. A method for manufacturing an information recording medium
(12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) comprising a phase-change recording layer
(104,204,304), comprising:
forming an interface layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) using an In-
containing sputtering target that includes In and O; forming the recording
layer (104,204,304);
forming an interface layer(105,103,205,203,305,303) using a Cr-
containing sputtering target that includes Cr and O; and
forming a ZnS-free dielectric layer (102,106,202,206,302,306) using a
sputtering target free of ZnS,
wherein the ZnS-free dielectric layer (102,106,202,206,302,306) is formed
in contact with one of the interface layers (103,105,203,205,303,305),
and
wherein both of interface layers (103,105,203,205,303,305), are Sn-free.
19.The method for manufacturing an information recording medium as
claimed in Claim 18,
wherein the Cr-containing sputtering target comprises Cr, O, and at least
one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si.
20.The method for manufacturing an information recording medium
(12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed in Claim 18,
wherein the In-containing sputtering target comprises In, O, and at least
one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si.

21. The method for manufacturing an information recording medium
(12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed in Claim 18,
wherein the In-containing sputtering target also comprises Cr.
22.The information recording medium (12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) as claimed
in Claim 9, wherein the In-containing layer comprises In, O, and at least
one element selected from Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Y and Si.



ABSTRACT


TITLE : "INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM AND METHOD OF
MANUFACTURING THE SAME"
The invention relates to an information recording medium
(12,15,22,24,29,31,32,37) comprising: one or more information layers (16,23,25)
that include a phase-change recording layer (104,204,304), the recording layer
(104,204,304) having a surface with a first side and a second side, wherein at
least one of the information layers (16,23,25) comprises a Cr-containing layer
containing Cr and O (103,105,203,205,303,305) that contact the first side of the
surface of the recording layer (104,204,304) and an In-containing layer
(105,103,205,203,305,303) containing In and O, that contact the second side of
the surface of the recording layer (104,204,304), wherein both the Cr-containing
layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and the In-containing layer
(103,105,203,205,303,305) are Sn-free, and wherein one of the Cr-containing
layer (103,105,203,205,303,305) and the In-containing layer
(103,105,203,205,303,305) is in contact with a ZnS-free dielectric layer
(103,105,203,205,303,305).

Documents:

00351-kolnp-2007-correspondence-1.1.pdf

00351-kolnp-2007-others-1.1.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 abstract.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 claims.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 correspondence others.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 description(complete).pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 drawings.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 form-1.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 form-2.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 form-3.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 form-5.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 international publication.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 international search authority report.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 others.pdf

0351-kolnp-2007 pct form.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-(01-05-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-(19-02-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-CANCELLED PAGES.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-FORM 13-1.1.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-FORM 13.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-FORM 18-1.1.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-form 18.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GPA-1.1.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-GPA.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-FORM 3.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-FORM 5.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION-COMPLETE.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

351-kolnp-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

351-KOLNP-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-00351-kolnp-2007.jpg


Patent Number 263010
Indian Patent Application Number 351/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 41/2014
Publication Date 10-Oct-2014
Grant Date 29-Sep-2014
Date of Filing 31-Jan-2007
Name of Patentee PANASONIC CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1006,OAZA KADOMA,KADOMA-SHI,OSAKA 571 8501,JAPAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 AKIO TSUCHINO C/O MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 1006, OAZA KADOMA, KADOMA-SHI, OSAKA 571-8501
2 RIE KOJIMA C/O MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 1006, OAZA KADOMA, KADOMA-SHI, OSAKA 571-8501
3 TAKASHI NISHIHARA C/O MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 1006, OAZA KADOMA, KADOMA-SHI, OSAKA 571-8501
PCT International Classification Number G11B7/257,G11B7/241
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2006/308326
PCT International Filing date 2006-04-20
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2005-174580 2005-06-15 Japan