An optical recording element and a method of recording information using the element.

摘要

An optical recording element suitable for recording information encoded on a high energy-density radiation beam comprises an improved thermal- and mechanical-barrier layer (30) coated on a heat-deformable recording layer (20). The barrier layer is preferably at least 0.15 mu m thick and comprises a water-soluble polymer having a glass transition temperature when dry of at least 100 DEG C, preferably at least 150 DEG C. The barrier layer is easily coated and does not significantly degrade the performance of the element. Optional layers such as a spacer layer (32) and a topcoat layer (34) may be coated on the barrier layer.