2.5 Inch Flat-Type Phase-Change Optical Disk Drive

Downsizing of personal information processing devices such as notebook computers has been progressing rapidly, hence a media exchangeable personal memory device with a large storage capacity is needed. We propose a 2.5 inch flat-type, phase-change optical disk drive of 15 mm in height. In order to decrease the drive height we have designed and developed a 0.6 mm polycarbonate substrate, phase-change optical disk medium, and a 6 mm high flat-type optical head. Overwriting on the 2.5 inch phase-change medium was performed using the prototype disk drive.