Spectroscopic and optical properties of an azo-metal chelate dye as optical recording medium

The spectroscopic, optical and thermal properties of an azo-nickel chelate dye have been studied in solution and in thin films. Complex formation constant of the compound was evaluated spectroscopically in methanol. The optical constant (complex refractive index N = n + ik) of the film on single-crystal silicon has been determined using scanning ellipsometer and the complex dielectric function e as well as absorption coefficient a were then calculated. Thermal decomposition with a sharp exothermic peak was observed. The optical recording medium was prepared by spin-coating on a PC substrate with aluminum as reflective layer. Dynamic optical recording test of the disc gave a value of carrier-to-noise (CNR) of 45 dB, indicating that the azo-metal chelate dye is a promising candidate for use as optical recording medium.