A new laser labeling technology, "Labelflash
TM (LF)", was developed. This technology consists of drawing label images, by using a recording head of a DVD drive, on a dye layer for labeling placed 0.6 mm under the surface of the label side of a disk. Changing the reflectance of the irradiated part of the dye layer made a label image. Focusing an intensity modulated laser beam on the dye layer induced decomposition of the dye, causing a reduction in extinction coefficient and an increase in reflectance. Different from conventional methods for drawing a picture on a surface of a disc, the present method for drawing label images inside of a disc guarantees the fastness and quality of the label images as well as a low-cost and high-speed production. In this report, newly develped other elements of LF, including hardware, software, media and evaluation technologies, are described.
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