Specification
DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF INVENTION
OPTICAL RECORDING MEDIµm, AND OPTICAL INFORMATION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an optical recording medium for information recording or
reproducing by irradiated light, and an optical information device for recording or reproducing information
with respect to the optical recording mediµm, and more particularly to an interlayer structure of an optical
recording medium having ihree or more information recording surfaces.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There are known optical discs called as DVD or BD (Blu-ray disc), as examples of the
commercially available high-density and large-capacity optical information recording media.
In recent years, the optical discs have become widely used as recording media for recording
images, music, and computer-readable data. There also has been proposed an optical disc
having plural recording layers, as disclosed in Patent literature 1 and Patent literature 2, to further
increase the recording capacity.
[0003] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a conventional optical recording
medium and optical head device. An optical recording medium 401 includes a first information
recording surface 401a closest to a surface 40 lz of the optical recording medium 401, a second
information recording surface 401b second closest to the surface 40lz of the optical recording
medium 401, a third information recording surface 401c third closest to the surface 40lz of the
optical recording medium 401, and a fourth information recording surface 401 d farthest from the
surface 40 lz of the optical recording medium 401.
[0004] A divergent beam 70 emitted from a light source 1 is transmitted through a collimator
lens 53, and incident into a polarized beam splitter 52. The beam 70 incident into the polarized
beam splitter 52 is transmitted through the polarized beam splitter 52, and converted into
circularly polarized light while being transmitted through a quarter wavelength plate 54.
Thereafter, the beam 70 is converted into a convergent beam through an objective lens 56,
transmitted through a transparent substrate of the optical recording medium 401, and collected
on one of the first information recording surface 401a, the second information recording surface
401b, the third information recording surface 401c, and the fourth information recording surface
40 Id formed in the interior of the optical recording medium 401.
[0005] The objective lens 56 is so designed as to make a spherical aberration zero at an
intermediate depth position between the first information recording surface 401a and the fourth
information recording surface 401 d. A spherical aberration corrector 93 shifts the position of
the collimator lens 53 in an optical axis direction. Thereby, spherical aberration resulting from
collecting light on the first through the fourth information recording surfaces 401a through 401d
•is removed.
[0006] An aperture 55 restricts the opening of the objective lens 56, and sets the numerical
aperture NA of the objective lens 56 to 0.85. The beam 70 reflected on the fourth information
recording surface 401d is transmitted through the objective lens 56 and the quarter wavelength
plate 54, converted into linearly polarized light along an optical path displaced by 90 degrees
with respect to the outward path, and then reflected on the polarized beam splitter 52. The
beam 70 reflected on the polarized beam splitter 52 is converted into convergent light while
being transmitted through a light collecting lens 59, and incident into a photodetector 320
through a cylindrical lens 57. Astigmatism is imparted to the beam 70 while the beam 70 is
transmitted through the cylindrical lens 57.
[0007] The photodetector 320 has unillustrated four light receiving sections. Each of the light receiving
sections outputs a current signal depending on a received light amount A focus error (hereinafter, called as
FE) signal by an astigmatism method, a tracking error (hereinafter, called as TE) signal by a push-pull
method, and an information (hereinafter called as RF) signal recorded in the optical recording medium 401
are generated, based on the current signals. The FE signal and the TE signal are amplified to an intended
level, subjected to phase compensation, and then supplied to actuators 91 and 92, whereby focus control and
tracking control are performed.
[0008] In this example, the following problem occurs, in Ihe case where the thickness tl between the
surface 401z of the optical recording medium 401 and the first information recording surface 401a, the
thickness t2 between the first information recording surface 401a and the second information recording
surface 401b, the thickness t3 between the second information recording surface 401b and the third
information recording surface 401c, and the thickness t4 between the third information recording surface
401c and the fourth information recording surface 401d are equal to each other.
[0009] For instance, in the case where the beam 70 is collected on the fourth information recording
surface 401d to record or reproduce information on or from the fourth information recording surface 401d, a
part of the beam 70 is reflected on the third information recording surface 401c. The distance from the
third information recording surface 401c to the fourth information recording surface 401d, and the distance
from the third information recording surface 401c to the second information recording surface 401b are
equal to each other. Accordingly, the part of the beam 70 reflected on the third information recording
surface 401c forms an image on a backside of the second information recording surface 401b, and reflected
light from the backside of the second information surface 401b is reflected on the third information
recording surface 401c. As a result, the light reflected on the third information recording surface 401c, the
backside of the second information recording surface 401b, and the third information recording surface
401 c may be mixed with reflected light from the fourth information recording surface 401 d to be read.
[0010] Further, the distance from the second information recording surface 401b to the fourth
information recording surface 401 d, and the distance from the second information recording surface 401b to
the surface 401z of the optical recording medium 401 are equal to each other. Accordingly, a part of the
beam 70 reflected on the second information recording surface 401b forms an image on the backside of the
surface 401z of the optical recording medium 401, and reflected light from the backside of the surface 401z
is reflected on the second information recording surface 401 b. As a result, the light reflected on the second
information recording surface 401b, the backside of the surface 401z, and the second information recording
surface 401b may be mixed with reflected light from the fourth information recording surface 401 d to be
read.
[0011 ] As described above, Ihere is a problem that reflected light from the fourth information recording
surface 401d to be read is superimposed and mixed with reflected light which forms an image on the
backside of the other surface, with the result that information recording/reproducing is obstructed. light
containing reflected light which forms an image on the backside of the other surface has a high coherence,
and forms a brightness/darkness distribution on a light receiving element by coherence. Since the
brightness/darkness distribution is varied depending on a change in phase difference with respect to
reflected light from the other surface, resulting from a small thickness variation of an intermediate layer in
an in-plane direction of an optical disc, the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal may be
considerably deteriorated. Hereinafter, the above problem is called as a back focus problem in the
specification.
[0012] In order to prevent the back focus problem, Patent literature 1 discloses a method, wherein the
interlayer distance between the information recording surfaces is gradually increased in the order from the
surface 40 lz of the optical recording medium 401 so that a part of the beam 70 may not form an image on
the backside of the second information recording surface 401b and the backside of the surface 401z
simultaneously when the beam 70 is collected on the fourth information recording surface 401d to be read.
The thicknesses tl through t4 each has a production variation of ±10 µm. It is necessary to set the
thicknesses tl through t4 to different values from each other, also in a case where the thicknesses tl through
t4 are varied. In view of this, a difference in the thicknesses tl through t4 is set to e.g. 20 µm. In this
example, the thicknesses tl through t4 are respectively set to 40 µm, 60 µm, 80 µm, and 100 µm, and the
total interlayer thickness t(=:t2+t3+t4) from the first information recording surface 401a to the fourth
information recording layer 401d is set to 240 µm.
[0013] In the case where the thickness of a cover layer from the surface 401z to the first information
recording surface 401a, and the thickness from the fourth information recording surface 401d to the first
information recording surface 401a are equal to each other, light reflected on the fourth information
reuording surface 401d is focused on the surface 401z, and reflected on the surface 401z. The light
reflected on the surface 40lz is reflected on the fourth information recording surface 401d, and guided to the
photodetector 320. A light flux which forms an image on the backside of the surface 40lz does not have
information relating to pits or marks, unlike a light flux which forms an image on the backside of the other
information recording surface. However, in the case where the number of information recording surfaces
is large, the light amount of light returning from the information recording surfaces is reduced, and the
reflectance of the surface 401z is relatively increased. As a result, coherence between a light flux reflected
on the backside of the surface 401z, and a light flux reflected on a targeted information recording surface to
be recorded or reproduced is generated in the similar manner as in the case of a light flux reflected on the
backside of the other information recording surfaces, which may considerably deteriorate the quality of a
servo signal and a reproduction signal.
[0014] In view of the above problem, Patent literature 2 proposes a distance between information
recording layers (information recording surfaces) of an optical disc. Patent literature 2 discloses the
following structure.
[0015] An optical recording medium has four information recording surfaces, wherein the first through
the fourth information recording surfaces are defined in the order from a side closest to a surface of the
optical recording mediµm. The distance from the medium surface to the first information recording
surface is set to 47 µm or less. The thicknesses of intermediate layers between the first through the fourth
information recording surfaces are combination of a range from 11 to 15 µm, a range from 16 to 21 µm, and
a range of 22 urn or more. The distance from the medium surface to the fourth information recording
surface is set to 100 µm. The distance from the medium surface to the first information recording surface
is set to 47 µm or less, and the distance from the medium surface to the fourth information recording surface
is set to 100)µm.
[0016] An optical disc system is adapted to detect light incident from a medium surface and reflected on
an information recording surface. Accordingly, a refractive index of a transparent material constituting a
transparent member from the medium surface where light is transmitted to the information recording
surface also affects the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal. However, there is no
consideration and description about the refractive index in the disc structures disclosed in Patent literature 1
and Patent literature 2. Thus, both of the publications do not consider an influence of a refractive index of a
transparent material to the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
[0017] Patent literature 1: JP 2001 -155380A
Patent literature 2: JP 2008-117513A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0018] In view of the above, an object of the invention is to provide an optical recording medium and an
optical information device that enable to improve the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal.
[0019] An optical recording medium according to an aspect of the invention is an optical recording
medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces. The optical recording mediµm includes: the
first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording medium where light
is incident; the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface; the
third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface; the fourth information
recording surface fourth closest to the medium surface; a cover layer having a refractive index
nrl and formed between the medium surface and the first information recording surface; a first
intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first information
recording surface and the second information recording surface; a second intermediate layer
having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the second information recording surface and
the third information recording surface; and a third intermediate layer having a refractive index
nr4 and formed between the third information recording surface and the fourth information
recording surface, wherein in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the
cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate
layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding
layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with respect to a
layer having a refractive index nrcc and a thickness tra (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a
positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a layer
having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive
integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other, and the thicknesses tl, t2, t3,
and t4 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl,
t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 u,m or more in any case, and |(tl +t2)-(t3+t4)| 2; 1 µm.
[0020] In the above arrangement, in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4
of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third
intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective
corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with
respect to a layer having a refractive index nra and a thickness tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where
a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a
layer having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a
positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other, and the thicknesses tl,
t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |t1-(t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a difference between any two values of the
thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 p.m or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1 µm.
[0021] According to the invention, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 obtained by converting the
shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the
second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm, a
difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in
any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1 µm. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on
the backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between
reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo
signal and a reproduction signal. Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical
recording medium and the information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical
recording medium can be set to a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case
where there is a damage or a smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be
suppressed.
[0022] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent upon reading the following detailed description along with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of an optical recording medium
embodying the invention, and an optical head device.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a layer structure of the optical recording mediµm in the embodiment
of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing reflected light from a fourth information recording surface, in the
case where a beam is collected on the fourth information recording surface.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing reflected light from a third information recording surface and a
second information recording surface, in the case where a beam is collected on the fourth information
recording surface.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing reflected light from the second information recording surface and a
surface of the optical recording mediµm, in the case where a beam is collected on the fourth information
recording surface.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing reflected light from the third information recording surface, a first
information recording surface, and the second information recording surface, in the case where a beam is
collected on the fourth information recording surface.
, »FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relation between a difference in interlayer thickness, and an
amplitude of an FS signal.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relation between an interlayer thickness of an optical recording
.medium having information recording surfaces of reflectances substantially equal to each other, and a jitter.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a layer structure of an optical recording medium as a modification of
the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a refractive index dependence of a factor for
converting a shape-wise thickness in terms of an actual refractive index into a thickness in terms of a
standard refractive index.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a refractive index dependence of a factor for
converting a thickness in terms of a standard refractive index into a shape-wise thickness in terms of an
actual refractive index.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of an optical information device
embodying the inventioa
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a conventional optical recording medium and
optical head device.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In the following, an embodiment of the invention is described referring to the
accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example embodying the
invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the invention.
[0025] Firstly, an optical recording medium embodying the invention is described referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of an optical recording medium
embodying the invention, and an optical head device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a layer
structure of the optical recording mediµm in the embodiment. An optical head device 201
irradiates blue laser light whose wavelength X is 405 nm onto an optical recording medium 40 to
reproduce a signal recorded in the optical recording medium 40. Since the arrangement and the
operation of the optical head device 201 shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same as the
arrangement and the operation of the optical head device shown in FIG. 13, detailed description
thereof is omitted herein.
[0027] The optical recording medium 40 as an example has four information recording
surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical recording medium 40 has, in the order from a side
closest to a surface 40z of the optical recording medium 40, a first information recording surface
40a, a second information recording surface 40b, a third information recording surface 40c, and a
fourth information recording surface 40d.
[0028] The optical recording medium 40 is further provided with a cover layer 42, a first
intermediate layer 43, a second intermediate layer 44, and a third intermediate layer 45. The
•thickness tl of the cover layer 42 represents a thickness of a substrate from the surface 40z to the
first information recording surface 40a, the thickness t2 of the first intermediate layer 43
represents a thickness of the substrate from the first information recording surface 40a to the
second information recording surface 40b, the thickness t3 of the second intermediate layer 44
represents a thickness of the substrate from the second information recording surface 40b to the
third information recording surface 40c, and the thickness t4 of the third intermediate layer 45
represents a thickness of the substrate from the third information recording surface 40c to the
fourth information recording surface 40d.
[0029] The distance dl (=tl) represents a distance from the surface 40z to the first
information recording surface 40a, the distance d2 (= 11 +t2) represents a distance from the
surface 40z to the second information recording surface 40b, the distance d3 (=tl+t2-+-t3)
represents a distance from the surface 40z to the third information recording surface 40c, and the
distance d4 (=tl+t2+t3+t4) represents a distance from the surface 40z to the fourth information
recording surface 40d.
[0030] Now, problems to be solved in the case where an optical recording medium has four
information recording surfaces are described. Coherence between reflected light from multiple
surfaces is described referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, as a first problem to be solved.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing reflected light from the fourth information recording
surface 40d, in the case where a beam is collected on the fourth information recording surface
40d. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing reflected light from the third information recording surface 40c and the
second information recording surface 40b, in the case where a beam is collected on the fourth information
recording surface 40d. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing reflected light from the second information recording
surface 40b and the surface 40z, in the case where a beam is collected on the fourth information recording
surface 40d. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing reflected light from the third information recording surface 40c,
the first information recording surface 40a, and the second information recording surface 40b, in the case
where a beam is collected on the fourth information recording surface 40d.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, a light flux collected on the fourth information recording surface 40d for
information reproducing or recording is split into the following light beams by semi-translucency of an
information recording layer (an information recording surface).
[0033] Specifically, a light flux collected on the fourth information recording surface 40d for information
reproducing or recording is split into: a beam 70 shown in FIG. 3; a beam 71 (back focus light with respect
to an information recording surface) shown in FIG. 4, a beam 72 (back focus light with respect to a medium
surface) shown in FIG. 5, and a beam 73 shown in FIG. 6.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the beam 70 is a beam reflected on the fourth information recording surface
40d and emitted from the surface 40z. As shown in FIG. 4, the beam 71 is a beam reflected on the third
information recording surface 40c, focused and reflected on the backside of the second information
recording surface 40b, reflected on the third information recording surface 40c, and emitted from the surface
40z. As shown in FIG. 5, the beam 72 is a beam reflected on the second information recording surface 40b,
focused and reflected on the backside of the surface 40z, reflected on the second information recording
surface 40b, and emitted from the surface 40z. As shown in FIG. 6, the beam 73 is a beam which is not
focused on the surface 40z and the backsides of the information recording surfaces, but is reflected in the
order of the third information recording surface 40c, the backside of the first information recording surface
40a, and the second information recording surface 40b, and emitted from the surface 40z.
[0035] First, let us consider a case that the refractive indexes of the cover layer 42, the first intermediate
layer 43, the second intermediate layer 44, and the third intermediate layer 45 are equal to each other. In
this case, the refractive indexes of the respective corresponding layers are set to "no".
[0036] For instance, in the case where the distance (thickness t4) between the fourth information
recording surface 40d and the third information recording surface 40c, and the distance (thickness t3)
between the third information recording surface 40c and the second information recording surface 40b are
equal to each other, the beam 70 and the beam 71 pass a common optical path when exiting from the
surface 40z. Accordingly, the beam 70 and the beam 71 are incident into a photodetector 320 with an
identical light flux diameter. Similarly, in the case where the distance (thickness t4+thickness t3) between
the fourth information recording surface 40d and the second information recording surface 40b, and the
distance (thickness t2+ thickness tl) between the second information recording surface 40b and the surface
40z are equal to each other, the beam 70 and the beam 72 pass a common optical path when exiting from
the surface 40z. Accordingly, the beam 70 and the beam 72 are incident into the photodetector 320 with an
identical light flux diameter. In the case where the distance (thickness t2) between the second information
recording surface 40b and the first information recording surface 40a, and the distance (thickness t4)
between the fourth information recording surface 40d and the third information recording surface 40c are
equal to each other, the beam 70 and the beam 73 pass a common optical path when exiting from the
surface 40z. Accordingly, the beam 70 and the beam 73 are incident into the photodetector 320 with an
identical light flux diameter.
[0037] The light intensities of the beams 71 through 73 as reflected light from multiple
surfaces are small, as compared with the light intensity of the beam 70. However, coherent
contrast does not depend on a light intensity but depends on a light intensity ratio of light
amplitude, and the light amplitude is a square root of the light intensity. Accordingly, even a
small difference between light intensities results in a large coherent contrast. In the case where
the bearrfs 70 through 73 are incident into the photodetector 320 with an identical light flux
.diameter, an influence by coherence between the beams is large. Further, a light receiving
amount by the photodetector 320 is greatly varied, resulting from a small change in thickness
between the information recording surfaces, which makes it difficult to stably detect a signal.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relation between a difference in interlayer thickness, and
an amplitude of an FS signal. FIG. 7 shows an amplitude of an FS signal (a sum of light
intensities) with respect to a difference in interlayer thickness, in the case where the light
intensity ratio between the beam 70; and the beam 71, the beam 72, or the beam 73 is set to
100:1, and the refractive indexes of the cover layer 42 and the first intermediate layer 43 are each
set to about 1.60 (1.57). Referring to FIG. 7, the axis of abscissas indicates a difference in
interlayer thickness, and the axis of ordinate indicates an amplitude of an FS signal. The FS
signal amplitude is a value obtained by normalizing light solely composed of the beam 70 to be
detected by the photodetector 320 by a DC light amount, assuming that there is no reflection
from the other information recording surfaces. In this embodiment, an interlayer means a layer
between a surface of the optical recording medium and an information recording surface, and a
layer between information recording surfaces adjacent to each other. As shown in FIG. 7, it is
obvious that the FS signal is sharply changed when the difference in interlayer thickness
becomes about 1 jam or less.
[0039] Similarly to the beam 72 shown in FIG. 5, in the case where the difference between the
thickness tl of the cover layer 42, and the sum (t2+t3+t4) of the thicknesses of the first through
the third intermediate layers 43 through 45 is 1 µm or less, a problem such as variation of the FS
signal also occurs.
[0040] As a second problem to be solved, an exceedingly small interlayer distance between
adjacent information recording surfaces causes an influence of crosstalk from the adjacent
information recording surface. In view of this, an interlayer distance of a predetermined value
or more is necessary. Accordingly, various interlayer thicknesses are investigated, and an
interlayer thickness which minimizes the influence is determined.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relation between an interlayer thickness of an optical
recording medium having information recording surfaces of reflectances substantially equal to each other,
and a jitter. The refractive index of the intermediate layer is set to about 1.60. Referring to FIG. 8, the
axis of abscissas indicates an interlayer thickness, and the axis of ordinate indicates a jitter value. As the
interlayer thickness is reduced, the jitter is deteriorated. The interlayer thickness where the jitter starts
increasing is about 10 µm, and in the case where the interlayer thickness becomes 10 µm or less, the jitter is
seriously deteriorated. Therefore, an optimum minimum value of the interlayer thickness is 10 µm.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, an arrangement of the optical recording medium 40 in the
embodiment of the invention is described. In the embodiment, the structure of a four-layer disc
_(the optical recording medium 40) is defined in such a manner as to secure the following
conditions (1) through (3) in order to eliminate an adverse effect of reflected light from the other
"information recording surfaces or a disc surface, considering a thickness variation among
products.
[0043] Condition (1): The difference between the thickness tl of the cover layer 42, and
the sum (t2+t3+t4) of the thicknesses t2 through t4 of the first through the third intermediate
layers 43 through 45 is set to 1 µm or more. In other words, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4
satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm.
[0044] Condition (2): The difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3,
and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in any case.
[0045] Condition (3): The difference between the sum (tl+t2) of the thickness tl of the
cover layer 42 and the thickness t2 of the first intermediate layer 43, and the sum (t3+t4) of the
thickness t3 of the second intermediate layer 44 and the thickness t4 of the third intermediate
layer 45 is set to 1 µm or more. In other words, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy
I(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|=l µm.
[0046] There are other combinations of interlayer thicknesses. However, in the case where
the thickness tl of the cover layer is set to a value approximate to the sum (t2+t3+t4) of the
thicknesses t2 through t4 of the first through the third intermediate layers 43 through 45, there is
no need of considering the other combinations. Therefore, description on the other
combinations is omitted herein.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a layer structure of an optical recording medium as a
modification of the embodiment of the invention. An optical recording medium 30 shown in
FIG. 9 has three information recording surfaces. As shown in FIG. 9, the optical recording
medium 30 has, in the order from a side closest to a surface 30z of the optical recording medium 30, a
first information recording surface 30a, a second information recording surface 30b, and a third information
recording surface 30c. The optical recording medium 30 is further provided with a cover layer 32, a first
intermediate layer 33, and a second intermediate layer 34.
[0048] The thickness tl of the cover layer 32 represents a thickness of a substrate from the surface
30z to the first information recording surface 30a, the thickness t2 of the first intermediate layer
33 represents a thickness of the substrate from the first information recording surface 30a to the
second information recording surface 30b, and the thickness t3 of the second intermediate layer
34 represents a thickness of the substrate from the second information recording surface 30b to
the third information recording surface 30c.
[0049] The distance dl (=tl) represents a distance from the surface 30z to the first
information recording surface 30a, the distance d2 (=tl+t2) represents a distance from the
.surface 30z to the second information recording surface 30b, and the distance d3 (=tl+t2+t3)
represents a distance from the surface 30z to the third information recording surface 30c.
[0050] In the foregoing description, the structure of the four-layer disc is concretely described.
In the case where a three-layer disc as shown in FIG. 9 is produced, the structure of the three-
layer disc (the optical recording medium 30) is defined in such a manner as to secure the
following conditions (1) and (2).
[0051] Condition (1): The difference between the thickness tl of the cover layer 32, and
the sum (t2+t3) of the thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first intermediate layer 33 and the second
intermediate layer 34 is set to 1 µm or more. In other words, the optical recording medium 30
satisfies |tl-(t2+t3)|=l µm.
[0052] Condition (2): The difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and
t3 is set to 1 µm or more in any case.
[0053] Concerning a (N-l)-layer disc (where n is a positive integer equal to or more than 4),
the above condition generally means that a difference between the sum of the thickness "ti"
through the thickness "tj", and the sum of the thickness "tk" through the thickness "tm" is
necessarily set to 1 µm or more, assuming that tl is a thickness of the cover layer, and t2 through
tN are thicknesses of the first through the N-th intermediate layers, where i, j, k, and m are each
an arbitrary positive integer, and i=j-wise thickness "dr" of a layer having the refractive index "nr".
[0083] Assuming that the thickness of a cover layer or an intermediate layer is "t", the
numerical aperture of a light spot is NA (NA=0.85), and the convergence angle of light in a
-substrate is 9, since NA=n-sin(9), 0=arcsin(NA/n). In this equation, "arcsin" represents an
inverse sine function. The divergent radius R of a light spot can be calculated by R=t-tan(9).
[0084] The standard refractive index is defined as "no", the thickness of a layer having the
standard refractive index "no" is defined as "to", and the convergence angle of light in a
substrate of the layer is defined as "Go". The standard refractive index "no" is set to e.g. 1.60.
The layer (targeted layer) constituting a thickness portion of a transparent substrate of an actual
optical disc is indicated with the suffix "r", the refractive index of the targeted layer is defined as
"nr", the shape-wise thickness of the targeted layer is defined as "tr", and the convergence angle
of light in a substrate of the targeted layer is defined as "0r". In this case, the convergence
angles Go and Gr are respectively expressed by: Go=arcsin(NA/no) and 6r=arcsin(NA/nr).
[0085] The divergent radius R of a light spot is expressed by: R=trtan(6r)=to-tan(0o).
Accordingly, the thickness "to" of a layer having the standard refractive index "no" is expressed
by: to=trtan(0r)/tan(0o))=trf(nr).
[0086] The function f(nr) is a factor for deriving the thickness "to" of a layer having the
standard refractive index "no" with respect to the shape-wise thickness "tr", and is the function
shown in the graph of FIG. 10.
[0087] For instance, let us consider a four-layer disc having four layers of information
recording surfaces. The four-layer disc (the optical recording medium 40) has, in the order
from the surface (a light incident surface) 40z of the disc, the first information recording surface
40a, the second information recording surface 40b, the third information recording surface 40c,
and the fourth information recording surface 40d. The four-layer disc is further provided with
the cover layer 42 between the light incident surface 40z and the first information recording
surface 40a, the first intermediate layer 43 between the first information recording surface 40a
and the second information recording surface 40b, the second intermediate layer 44 between the
second information recording surface 40b and the third information recording surface 40c, and
the third intermediate layer 45 between the third information recording surface 40c and the
fourth information recording surface 40d.
[0088] Let it be assumed that the shape-wise thickness of the cover layer 42 is trl, and the
actual refractive index of the cover layer 42 is nrl; the shape-wise thickness of the first
intermediate layer 43 is tr2, and the actual refractive index of the first intermediate layer 43 is
nr2; the shape-wise thickness of the second intermediate layer 44 is tr3, and the actual refractive
index of the second intermediate layer 44 is nr3; and the shape-wise thickness of the third
intermediate layer 45 is tr4, and the actual refractive index of the third intermediate layer 45 is
nr4.
[0089] Converting the thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer 42 and the first
¦through the third intermediate layers 43 through 45 respectively into the thicknesses tl, t2, t3,
and t4 of the cover layer 42 and the first through the third intermediate layers 43 through 45 each
having the standard refractive index "no", based on a defocus amount, yields a result:
tl=trlxf(nrl), t2=tr2xf(nr2), t3=tr3xf(nr3), and t4=tr4xf(nr4).
[0090] Normally, the thickness of the cover layer is larger than the thickness of the
intermediate layer. In view of this, the four-layer disc should satisfy all the conditions: |tl-
(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm, |t2-t3|=l µm, |t3-t4)|=l µm, and |t2-t4|=l urn to avoid the back focus
problem.
[0091] Further, the four-layer disc should satisfy all the conditions: t2^10 µm, t3^10 µm,
and t4^ 10 um to avoid the interlayer coherence. In other words, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and
t4 of the cover layer 42, the first intermediate layer 43, the second intermediate layer 44, and the
third intermediate layer 45 are each set to 10 µm or more.
[0092] As described above, the optical recording medium 40 includes the first information
recording surface 40a closest to the light incident surface 40z of the optical recording medium 40,
the second information recording surface 40b second closest to the surface 40z, the third
information recording surface 40c third closest to the surface 40z, the fourth information
recording surface 40d fourth closest to the surface 40z, the cover layer 42 having the refractive
index nrl and formed between the surface 40z and the first information recording surface 40a,
the first intermediate layer 43 having the refractive index nr2 and formed between the first
information recording surface 40a and the second information recording surface 40b, the second
intermediate layer 44 having the refractive index nr3 and formed between the second information
recording surface 40b and the third information recording surface 40c, and the third intermediate
layer 45 having the refractive index nr4 and formed between the third information recording
surface 40c and the fourth information recording surface 40d.
[0093] Further, in the case where the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover
layer 42, the first intermediate layer 43, the second intermediate layer 44, and the third
intermediate layer 45 are respectively converted into the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the
respective corresponding layers each having the predetermined refractive index "no", the
defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index nra and the thickness trot
(satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) is equal to
the defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index "no" and the thickness ta
(satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)); and the
- thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a difference between any two values
of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1
µm.
[0094] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 obtained by converting the shape-wise thickness
trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer 42, the first intermediate layer 43, the second intermediate
layer 44, and the third intermediate layer 45 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a difference between
any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in any case, and
I(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)| Si 1 µm. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on the backside
of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between reflected light
from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo signal and a
reproduction signal.
[0095] Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical recording medium and the
information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical recording medium can be set to
a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case where there is a damage or a
smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be suppressed.
[0096] Further, assuming that the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer
42, the first intermediate layer 43, the second intermediate layer 44, and the third intermediate
layer 45 are respectively converted into the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective
corresponding layers each having the predetermined refractive index "no", the thickness of a
layer having the refractive index nra is set to tra (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a positive
integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), the convergence angle of light in the layer having the
refractive index nra is set to 0ra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an
integer of 4 or more)), the thickness of a layer having the refractive index "no" is set to toe
(satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and the
convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index "no" is set to 0o, if the
thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on the following equation, the thicknesses
tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm, a difference between any two values of the
thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1 µm.
[0097] ta=tra-(tan(9ra)/tan(eo))
[0098] In the case where the range of the thickness ta of a layer having the refractive index
"no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined allowable range is
converted into a range of the thickness tra of a layer having the refractive index nra, preferably,
the thickness trot may be included in the range of the thickness tree after conversion.
[0099] As another example, let us consider a case that a three-layer disc having three recording
layers is produced. A three-layer disc (the optical recording medium 30) has, in the order from
-the surface (a light incident surface) 30z of the disc, the first information recording surface 30a,
the second information recording surface 30b, and the third information recording surface 30c.
The three-layer disc is further provided with the cover layer 32 between the light incident surface
30z and the first information recording surface 30a, the first intermediate layer 33 between the
first information recording surface 30a and the second information recording surface 30b, and
the second intermediate layer 34 between the second information recording surface 30b and the
third information recording surface 30c.
[0100] Let it be assumed that the shape-wise thickness of the cover layer 32 is trl, and the
actual refractive index of the cover layer 32 is nrl; the shape-wise thickness of the first
intermediate layer 33 is tr2, and the actual refractive index of the first intermediate layer 33 is
nr2; and the shape-wise thickness of the second intermediate layer 34 is tr3, and the actual
refractive index of the second intermediate layer 34 is nr3.
[0101] Converting the thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer 32, the first intermediate
layer 33, and the second intermediate layer 34 respectively into the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of
the cover layer 32, the first intermediate layer 33, and the second intermediate layer 34 each
having the standard refractive index "no", based on a defocus amount, yields a result:
tl=trl xf(nrl), t2=tr2xf(nr2), and t3=tr3xf(nr3).
[0102] Normally, the thickness of the cover layer is larger than the thickness of the
intermediate layer. In view of this, the three-layer disc should satisfy all the conditions: |tl-
(t2+t3)| ^ 1 µm, and |t2-t3| ^ 1 um to avoid the back focus problem.
[0103] Further, the three-layer disc should satisfy all the conditions: t2=^ 10 µm, and t3^ 10
urn to avoid the interlayer coherence. In other words, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the cover
layer 32, the first intermediate layer 33, and the second intermediate layer 34 are each set to 10
(am or more.
[0104] As described above, the optical recording medium 30 includes the first information
recording surface 30a closest to the light incident surface 30z of the optical recording medium 30,
the second information recording surface 30b second closest to the surface 30z, the third
information recording surface 30c third closest to the surface 30z, the cover layer 32 having the
refractive index nrl and formed between the surface 30z and the first information recording
surface 30a, the first intermediate layer 33 having the refractive index nr2 and formed between
the first information recording surface 30a and the second information recording surface 30b,
and the second intermediate layer 34 having the refractive index nr3 and formed between the
second information recording surface 30b and the third information recording surface 30c.
[0105] Further, in the case where the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer
32, the first intermediate layer 33, and the second intermediate layer 34 are respectively
.converted into the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the respective corresponding layers each having
the predetermined refractive index "no", the defocus amount with respect to a layer having the
refractive index nra and the thickness tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and
n is an integer of 4 or more)) is equal to the defocus amount with respect to a layer having the
refractive index "no" and the thickness tec (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer
and n is an integer of 4 or more)); and the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)| ^ 1 µm,
and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 µm or more
in any case.
[0106] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 obtained by converting the shape-wise thickness trl,
tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer 32, the first intermediate layer 33, and the second intermediate
layer 34 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 µm, and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses
tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 µm or more in any case. This enables to prevent light from forming an
image on the backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence
between reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of
a servo signal and a reproduction signal.
[0107] Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical recording medium and the
information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical recording medium can be set to
a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case where there is a damage or a
smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be suppressed.
[0108] Further, assuming that the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer 32,
the first intermediate layer 33, and the second intermediate layer 34 are respectively converted
into the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the respective corresponding layers each having the
predetermined refractive index "no", the thickness of a layer having the refractive index nra is
set to tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)),
the convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index nra is set to Bra
(satisfying: lSsa^n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)); the
thickness of a layer having the refractive index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is
a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), and the convergence angle of light in the
layer having the refractive index "no" is set to Go, if the thickness tra is converted into the
thickness ta based on the following equation, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1
µm, and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 µm or
more in any case.
m [0109] ta=tra-(tan(9ra)/tan(9o))
[0110] In the case where the range of the thickness tot of a layer having the refractive index
•"no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined allowable range is
converted into a range of the thickness tra of a layer having the refractive index nra, preferably,
the thickness tra may be included in the range of the thickness tra after conversion.
[0111] In the case where the layer between the medium surface and the information recording
surface or each layer between the information recording surfaces is constituted of plural material
layers having refractive indexes different from each other, at first, the thicknesses of the material
layers are calculated in terms of the standard refractive index. Specifically, the actual thickness
of each material layer having the refractive index "nr" is converted into the thickness of each
material layer having the standard refractive index "no", based on a defocus amount, by
multiplying the shape-wise thickness by the function value "f'. Then, the thicknesses of the
material layers after conversion are integrated.
[0112] For instance, in the case where a cover layer having the shape-wise thickness trl has a
first cover layer having the refractive index nrll has the thickness trl 1, a second cover layer
having the refractive index nrl2 has the thickness trl2 •••, and the N-th cover layer having the
refractive index nrlN has the thickness trlN, converting the shape-wise thickness of the cover
layer into the thickness tl of the cover layer having the standard refractive index "no", based on
a defocus amount, yields a result: tl=Xtrlkxf(nrk). In this equation, £ represents an integration
from 1 through N with respect to "k".
[0113] In the case where an objective lens having a large numerical aperture (NA) is used,
spherical aberration sharply changes depending on the thickness of a transparent substrate
through which light is transmitted. If the spherical aberration is large, the sensitivity of a focus
error signal, serving as an index to be used in focus control, may be different from the design
sensitivity, or focus error signal deterioration such as a decrease in signal amplitude may occur.
[0114] In the case where focus control is started from a state that focus control is not
performed, or stability in focus jumping is obtained, it is desirable to correct spherical aberration
with respect to a targeted layer for focus control in advance. In view of this, it is desirable to
set the thickness from the medium surface to an information recording layer, and the thickness of
an intermediate layer in a predetermined range including a standard value.
[0115] The focus jumping operation is an operation of changing a focus position from a certain
information recording surface to another information recording surface. The standard value or
a predetermined range for a focus jumping operation should be defined, referring to the spherical
aberration for the above reason. Accordingly, in the case where the refractive index is set to a
value other than the standard value, the shape-wise thickness is changed depending on the
_ refractive index.
[0116] In view of the above, for instance, the layer thickness of a multilayer optical disc is
• designed as follows. First, the refractive index of a material constituting a transparent substrate
is defined. Next, the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to an information
recording surface, and the shape-wise thicknesses of intermediate layers are determined in
accordance with the obtained refractive index, referring to the spherical aberration. Since it is
impossible to set a production error to zero, the shape-wise thickness is determined including an
error range. The shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to an information recording
surface, and the shape-wise thicknesses of intermediate layers may be determined, using a
numerical value table or a chart. The spherical aberration is proportional to the layer thickness.
Accordingly, the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to an information recording
surface, and the shape-wise thicknesses of intermediate layers may be determined by calculating
a conversion factor g(n) depending on a refractive index in accordance with a wavelength or a
numerical aperture, and using the calculated conversion factor g(n).
[0117] For instance, blue light of a wavelength 405 nm is converged on an information
recording surface through a substrate having a refractive index of 1.60 and a thickness of 0.1 mm.
An objective lens having a numerical aperture of 0.85 converges blue light of a wavelength 405
nm without aberration. The thickness ts(n) (unit: mm) of a substrate which minimizes the
aberration when the refractive index of the substrate is changed is calculated. As a result of the
calculation, the conversion factor g(n) is set to: g(n)=ts(n)/0.1.
[0118] The shape-wise thickness of a cover layer can be obtained, based on the shape-wise
thickness from the medium surface to an information recording surface, and the shape-wise
thicknesses of intermediate layers, which have been calculated in the above-described manner.
Then, these thicknesses are converted into thicknesses of the respective corresponding layers
each having the standard refractive index "no", referring to a defocus amount in the above-
described manner. Then, judgment is made as to whether the back focus problem and the
interlayer coherence can be avoided, whether the design range is proper, and whether the quality
of a fabricated optical disc has passed, using the thicknesses of the respective corresponding
layers after conversion.
[0119] The thickness from the medium surface to an information recording surface can be
calculated based on the sum of the cover layer thickness and the intermediate layer thicknesses.
In the case of a three-layer disc, the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to the first
information recording surface is set to trl, the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to
the second information recording surface is set to (trl+tr2), and the shape-wise thickness from
the medium surface to the third information recording surface is set to (trl+tr2+tr3).
[0120] In the case of a four-layer disc, the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to
the first information recording surface is set to trl, the shape-wise thickness from the medium
• surface to the second information recording surface is set to (trl+tr2), the shape-wise thickness
from the medium surface to the third information recording surface is set to (trl+tr2+tr3), and
the shape-wise thickness from the medium surface to the fourth information recording surface is
setto(trl+tr2+tr3+tr4).
[0121] The optical recording mediµm in the embodiment enables to prevent light from forming
an image on the backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence
between reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of
a servo signal and a reproduction signal. Further, in the above arrangement, a guideline for
producing the products can be clearly set by setting the guideline for designing the thickness of
the optical recording medium depending on the refractive index in the above-described manner.
[0122] Next, an example of an optical information device which performs a focus jumping
operation is described.
[0123] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of an optical information device
embodying the invention. Referring to FIG. 12, an optical information device 150 includes a
driver 151, a turntable 152, an electric circuit 153, a clamper 154, a motor 155, and an optical
head device 201. The optical head device 201 in FIG. 12 has the same arrangement as the
arrangement of the optical head device 201 shown in FIG. 1, and an optical recording medium
40 in FIG. 12 has the same arrangement as the arrangement of the optical recording medium 40
shown in FIG. 2.
[0124] The optical recording medium 40 is placed on the turntable 152, and is fixedly
supported by the clamper 154. The motor 155 rotates the turntable 152 to thereby rotate the
optical recording medium 40. The driver 151 coarsely drives the optical head device 201 to a
track on the optical recording medium 40 where intended information is recorded.
[0125] The optical head device 201 moves the focus position of laser light to be irradiated onto
the optical recording medium from a certain information recording surface to another
information recording surface to reproduce or record information with respect to the plural
information recording surfaces.
[0126] The optical head device 201 transmits a focus error signal and a tracking error signal to
the electric circuit 153 in correspondence to a positional relation with respect to the optical
recording medium 40. The electric circuit 153 transmits a signal for finely moving the
objective lens 56 to the optical head device 201 in accordance with the focus error signal and the
tracking error signal. The optical head device 201 performs focus control and tracking control
with respect to the optical recording medium 40, based on a signal from the electric circuit 153.
_ The optical head device 201 reads out information from the optical recording medium 40, writes
(records) information into the optical recording medium 40, or erases information from the
"optical recording medium 40.
[0127] The electric circuit 153 controls and drives the motor 155 and the optical head device
201, based on a signal to be obtained from the optical head device 201. The electric circuit 153
mainly controls the focus jumping sequence. Specifically, the electric circuit 153 controls the
optical head device 201 in such a manner as to correct spherical aberration with respect to an
information recording surface as a focus jumping destination, before shifting the focus position.
A concrete spherical aberration correction method for the optical head device 201 has been
described in the foregoing description.
[0128] The optical information device 150 in the embodiment is operable to correct spherical
aberration with respect to an information recording surface as a focus jumping destination by
shifting the collimator lens 53 with respect to the optical recording medium 40 before a focus
jumping operation is performed, and thereafter shift the focus position. This enables to
improve the quality of a focus error signal with respect to a targeted information recording
surface to thereby stably perform a focus jumping operation.
[0129] The optical recording medium embodying the invention is not limited to a specific one
of a read-only disc, a rewritable disc, and a recordable disc, but may be any of these discs.
[0130] The aforementioned embodiment mainly includes the features having the following
arrangements.
[0131] An optical recording medium according to an aspect of the invention is an optical recording
medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces. The optical recording mediµm includes: the
first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording medium where light
is incident; the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface; the
third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface; the fourth information
recording surface fourth closest to the medium surface; a cover layer having a refractive index
nrl and formed between the medium surface and the first information recording surface; a first
intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first information
recording surface and the second information recording surface; a second intermediate layer
having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the second information recording surface and
the third information recording surface; and a third intermediate layer having a refractive index
nr4 and formed between the third information recording surface and the fourth information
recording surface, wherein in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the
cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate
layer arc respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding
. layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with respect to a
layer having a refractive index nra and a thickness tra (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a
" positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a layer
having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive
integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other, and the thicknesses tl, t2, t3,
and t4 satisfy |tl-{t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl,
t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 urn or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-{t3+t4)|= 1 µm.
[0132] In the above arrangement, in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4
of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third
intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective
corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with
respect to a layer having a refractive index nra and a thickness tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where
a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a
layer having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a
positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other, and the thicknesses tl,
t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)| ^ 1 µm, a difference between any two values of the
thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|=^ 1 µm.
[0133] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 obtained by converting the shape-wise
thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second
intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=^l |im, a difference
between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 [am or more in any case,
and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|sSl µm. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on the
backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between
reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo
signal and a reproduction signal. Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical
recording medium and the information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical
recording medium can be set to a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case
where there is a damage or a smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be
suppressed.
[0134] An optical recording medium according to another aspect of the invention is an optical
recording medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces. The optical recording
mediµm includes: the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical
recording medium where light is incident; the second information recording surface second closest to
the medium surface; the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
the fourth information recording surface fourth closest to the medium surface; a cover layer
having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface and the first information
•recording surface; a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between
the first information recording surface and the second information recording surface; a second
intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the second information
recording surface and the third information recording surface; and a third intermediate layer
having a refractive index nr4 and formed between the third information recording surface and the
fourth information recording surface, wherein in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2,
tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the
third intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the
respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", and in the
case where a thickness of the layer having the refractive index nra is set to tra (satisfying: 1 ^a
^n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a convergence angle of light
in the layer having the refractive index nra is set to 0ra (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a
positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a thickness of the layer having the refractive
index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4
or more)), and a convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index "no" is set to
Go, if the thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on the following equation,
ta=tra-(tan(6ra)/tan(Go)), the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |tl-{t2+t3+t4)|= 1 µm, a
difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 µm or more in
any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1 µm.
[0135] In the above arrangement, in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4
of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third
intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective
corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", and in the case where a
thickness of the layer having the refractive index nra is set to tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a
is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a convergence angle of light in the layer
having the refractive index nra is set to 0ra (satisfying: 1 Ssa^n (where a is a positive integer
and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a thickness of the layer having the refractive index "no" is set
to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a
convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index "no" is set to Go, if the
thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on the following equation, the thicknesses
tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm, a difference between any two values of the
thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 ^m or more in any case, and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|= 1 µm.
.[0136] ta=tra(tan(era)/tan(9o))
[0137] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 obtained by converting the shape-wise
"thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, the second
intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l |im, a difference
between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 urn or more in any case,
and |(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|2n µm. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on the
backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between
reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo
signal and a reproduction signal. Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical
recording medium and the information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical
recording medium can be set to a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case
where there is a damage or a smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be
suppressed.
[0138] In the optical recording mediµm, in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the
layer having the refractive index "no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a
predetermined allowable range is converted into a range of the thickness tra of the layer having
the refractive index nroc, preferably, the thickness tra may be included in the range of the
thickness tra after conversion.
[0139] In the above arrangement, in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the layer
having the refractive index "no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined
allowable range is converted into a range of the thickness tra of the layer having the refractive
index nra, the thickness tra is included in the range of the thickness tra after conversion. This
enables to suppress spherical aberration with respect to the cover layer, the first intermediate
layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer respectively having the
thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4.
[0140] In the optical recording mediµm, preferably, the refractive index "no" may be set to
1.60. In this arrangement, the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the
first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer can be
respectively converted into the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding
layers each having the refractive index of 1.60.
[0141] In the optical recording mediµm, preferably, the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 may each
be set to 10 urn or more. In this arrangement, setting the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 each to 10
µm or more enables to reduce an influence of crosstalk from an adjacent information recording
surface to thereby reduce coherence between reflected light from the information recording
surfaces.
[0142] An optical recording medium according to another aspect of the invention is an optical
• recording medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces. The optical recording
mediµm includes: the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical
recording medium where light is incident; the second information recording surface second closest to
the medium surface; the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface and the first
information recording surface; a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed
between the first information recording surface and the second information recording surface;
and a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the second
information recording surface and the third information recording surface, wherein in the case
where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer,
and the second intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of
the respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus
amount with respect to a layer having a refractive index nroc and a thickness tree (satisfying: 1 Ss
a^n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), and a defocus amount with
respect to a layer having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: l=a=n
(where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)) are equal to each other, and the
thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 ujn, and a difference between any two values of
the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 µm or more in any case.
[0143] In the above arrangement, in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4
of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer are respectively
converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers each having a
predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with respect to a layer having a refractive
index nra and a thickness tra (satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an
integer of 3 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index
"no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of
3 or more)) are equal to each other, and the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 j^m,
and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 |=m or more
in any case.
[0144] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 obtained by converting the shape-wise thicknesses
trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer
satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 jam, and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and
t3 is set to 1 \im or more in any case. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on
p the backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between
reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo
"signal and a reproduction signal. Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical
recording medium and the information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical
recording medium can be set to a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case
where there is a damage or a smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be
suppressed.
[0145] An optical recording medium according to another aspect of the invention is an optical
recording medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces. The optical recording
mediµm includes: the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical
recording medium where light is incident; the second information recording surface second closest to
the medium surface; the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface and the first
information recording surface; a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed
between the first information recording surface and the second information recording surface;
and a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the second
information recording surface and the third information recording surface, wherein in the case
where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, and
the second intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the
respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index "no", and in the
case where a thickness of the layer having the refractive index nra is set to tra (satisfying: 1 £2 a
2=2 n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), a convergence angle of light
in the layer having the refractive index nra is set to Bra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a
positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), a thickness of the layer having the refractive
index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3
or more)), and a convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index "no" is set to
Go, if the thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on the following equation,
ta=tra-(tan(9ra)/tan(0o)), the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)| ^ 1 µm, and a
difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 ^m or more in any
case.
[0146] In the above arrangement, in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of
the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer are respectively
converted into thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the respective corresponding layers each having a
predetermined refractive index "no", and in the case where a thickness of the layer having the
refractive index nroc is set to trot (satisfying: 1 ^oc^n (where a is a positive integer and n is an
integer of 3 or more)), a convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index nra is
' set to 0ra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), a
thickness of the layer having the refractive index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a
is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), and a convergence angle of light in the
layer having the refractive index "no" is set to Go, if the thickness trot is converted into the
thickness ta based on the following equation, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|=^ 1
µm, and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1 µm or
more in any case.
[0147] ta=tra-(tan(8ra)/tan(8o))
[0148] Thus, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 obtained by converting the shape-wise thicknesses
trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer, the first intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer
satisfy |tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 µm, and a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and
t3 is set to 1 urn or more in any case. This enables to prevent light from forming an image on
the backside of the surface of the optical recording mediµm, and suppress coherence between
reflected light from the information recording surfaces to thereby improve the quality of a servo
signal and a reproduction signal. Further, since the distance between the surface of the optical
recording medium and the information recording surface closest to the surface of the optical
recording medium can be set to a large value, deterioration of a reproduction signal in the case
where there is a damage or a smear on the surface of the optical recording medium can be
suppressed.
[0149] In the optical recording mediµm, in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the
layer having the refractive index "no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a
predetermined allowable range is converted into a range of the thickness tra of the layer having
the refractive index nra, preferably, the thickness tra may be included in the range of the
thickness tra after conversion.
[0150] In the above arrangement, in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the layer
having the refractive index "no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined
allowable range is converted into a range of the thickness tra of the layer having the refractive
index nra, the thickness tra is included in the range of the thickness tra after conversion. This
enables to suppress spherical aberration with respect to the cover layer, the first intermediate
layer, and the second intermediate layer respectively having the thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3.
[0151] In the optical recording mediµm, preferably, the refractive index "no" may be set to
K60. fei this arrangement, the shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer, the
first intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer can be respectively converted into the
thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 of the respective corresponding layers each having the refractive index
> of 1.60.
[0152] In the optical recording mediµm, preferably, the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 may each be
set to 10 |nm or more. In this arrangement, setting the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 each to 10 urn
or more enables to reduce an influence of crosstalk from an adjacent information recording
surface to thereby reduce coherence between reflected light from the information recording
surfaces.
[0153] An optical information device according to another aspect of the invention is an optical
information device for reproducing or recording with respect to the optical recording medium
having any one of the above arrangements. The optical information device includes an optical
head device, and a motor which rotates the optical recording mediµm. The optical head device
shifts a focus position of the laser light to be irradiated onto the optical recording medium from a
certain information recording surface to another information recording surface out of the
plurality of the information recording surfaces to reproduce or record information with respect to
the plurality of the information recording surfaces. In this arrangement, the above optical
recording medium can be used in the optical information device.
[0154] Preferably, the optical information device may further include an electric circuit which
controls and drives the motor and the optical head device, based on a signal to be obtained from
the optical head device, wherein the electric circuit controls the optical head device in such a
manner as to correct a spherical aberration with respect to a targeted information recording
surface out of the plurality of the information recording surfaces, before shifting the focus
position.
[0155] According to the above arrangement, spherical aberration with respect to a targeted
information recording surface can be corrected before the focus position is shifted.
[0156] The embodiments or the examples described in the description of embodiments are
provided to clarify the technical contents of the invention. The invention should not be
construed to be limited to the embodiments or the examples. The invention may be modified in
various ways as far as such modifications do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the
invention hereinafter defined.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0157] The inventive multilayer optical disc (the inventive optical recording medium) and the
inventive optical information device enable to maximally suppress an influence of reflected light
from an information recording surface other than a targeted information recording surface at the
.time of reproducing from the targeted information recording surface, even if the refractive
indexes of the cover layer and the intermediate layer are different from the standard value, to
•thereby reduce an influence to a servo signal and a reproduction signal to be used in an optical
head device. Thus, the invention is useful to an optical recording medium for information
recording or reproducing by irradiated light, and an optical information device which records or
reproduces information with respect to the optical recording mediµm.
[0158] Thus, the invention provides an optical recording medium capable of securing a
reproduction signal of good quality, having a large capacity, and having compatibility with an
existing optical recording mediµm.
CLAIMS
1. An optical recording medium having a plurality of information recording surfaces, the
• optical recording medium comprising:
the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording
medium where light is incident;
the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface;
the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
the fourth information recording surface fourth closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface
and the first information recording surface;
a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first
information recording surface and the second information recording surface;
a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the
second information recording surface and the third information recording surface; and
a third intermediate layer having a refractive index nr4 and formed between the third
information recording surface and the fourth information recording surface, wherein
in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first
intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer are
respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers
each having a predetermined refractive index "no",
a defocus amount with respect to a layer having a refractive index nra and a thickness
trot (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a
defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to
each other, and
the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy
|tl-(t2+t3+t4)|=l µm,
a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to
1 ^m or more in any case, and
I(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|=l µm.
2. An optical recording medium having a plurality of information recording
surfaces, the optical recording medium comprising:
' the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording
medium where light is incident;
the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface;
the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
the fourth information recording surface fourth closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface
and the first information recording surface;
a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first
information recording surface and the second information recording surface;
a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the
second information recording surface and the third information recording surface; and
a third intermediate layer having a refractive index nr4 and formed between the third
information recording surface and the fourth information recording surface, wherein
in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first
intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the third intermediate layer are
respectively converted into thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers
each having a predetermined refractive index "no", and
in the case where a thickness of the layer having the refractive index nra is set to tra
(satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a
convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index nra is set to Bra (satisfying: 1
=a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), a thickness of the layer
having the refractive index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer
and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a convergence angle of light in the layer having the
refractive index "no" is set to 0o, if the thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on
the following equation,
ta=tra-(tan(0ra)/tan(9o)),
the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy
|tl-(t2+t3+t4)j=l µm,
a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 is set to
1 nm or more in any case, and
I(tl+t2)-(t3+t4)|=l µm.
3. The optical recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the layer having the refractive index
"no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined allowable range is
converted into a range of the thickness tree of the layer having the refractive index nra,
the thickness tra is included in the range of the thickness trot after conversion.
4. The optical recording medium according to any one of claims 1 through 3,
wherein
the refractive index "no" is set to 1.60.
5. The optical recording medium according to any one of claims 1 through 4,
wherein
the thicknesses tl, t2, t3, and t4 are each set to 10 µm or more.
6. An optical recording medium having a plurality of information recording
surfaces, the optical recording medium comprising:
the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording
medium where light is incident;
the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface;
the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface
and the first information recording surface;
a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first
information recording surface and the second information recording surface; and
a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the
second information recording surface and the third information recording surface, wherein
in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of the cover layer, the first
intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses
tl, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive
index "no",
a defocus amount with respect to a layer having a refractive index nra and a thickness
tra (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), and a
defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index "no" and a thickness ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)) are equal to
each other, and
the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy
|tl-(t2+t3)|= 1 nm, and
a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1
µm or more in any case.
7. An optical recording medium having a plurality of information recording
surfaces, the optical recording medium comprising:
the first information recording surface closest to a medium surface of the optical recording
medium where light is incident;
the second information recording surface second closest to the medium surface;
the third information recording surface third closest to the medium surface;
a cover layer having a refractive index nrl and formed between the medium surface
and the first information recording surface;
a first intermediate layer having a refractive index nr2 and formed between the first
information recording surface and the second information recording surface; and
a second intermediate layer having a refractive index nr3 and formed between the
second information recording surface and the third information recording surface, wherein
in the case where shape-wise thicknesses trl, tr2, and tr3 of the cover layer, the first
intermediate layer, and the second intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses
tl, t2, and t3 of the respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index
"no", and
in the case where a thickness of the layer having the refractive index nrcc is set to tra
(satisfying: l=a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), a
convergence angle of light in the layer having the refractive index nra is set to Gra (satisfying: 1
=a=n (where a is a positive integer and n is an integer of 3 or more)), a thickness of the layer
having the refractive index "no" is set to ta (satisfying: 1 =a=n (where a is a positive integer
and n is an integer of 3 or more)), and a convergence angle of light in the layer having the
refractive index "no" is set to Go, if the thickness tra is converted into the thickness ta based on
the following equation,
ta=tra-(tan(Gra)/tan(6o)),
the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 satisfy
|tl-(t2+t3)|=l µm,and
a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 is set to 1
µm or more in any case.
8. The optical recording medium according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
in the case where a range of the thickness ta of the layer having the refractive index
"no" and whose spherical aberration amount falls in a predetermined allowable range is
converted into a range of the thickness tra of the layer having the refractive index nra,
the thickness tra is included in the range of the thickness tra after conversion.
9. The optical recording medium according to any one of claims 6 through 8,
wherein
the refractive index "no" is set to 1.60.
10. The optical recording medium according to any one of claims 6 through 9,
wherein
the thicknesses tl, t2, and t3 are each set to 10 urn or more.
11. An optical information device for reproducing or recording with respect to the
optical recording medium of any one of claims 1 through 10, the optical information device
comprising:
an optical head device; and
a motor which rotates the optical recording mediµm, wherein
the optical head device shifts a focus position of the laser light to be irradiated onto the
optical recording medium from a certain information recording surface to another information
recording surface out of the plurality of the information recording surfaces to reproduce or
record information with respect to the plurality of the information recording surfaces.
12. The optical information device according to claim 11, further comprising:
an electric circuit which controls and drives the motor and the optical head device,
based on a signal to be obtained from the optical head device, wherein
the electric circuit controls the optical head device in such a manner as to correct a
spherical aberration with respect to a targeted information recording surface out of the plurality
of the information recording surfaces, before shifting the focus position.
An object of the invention is to provide an optical recording medium and an optical
information device that enable to improve the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal.
In the case where shape-wise thicknesses tr1, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of a cover layer (42), a first
intermediate layer (43), a second intermediate layer (44), and a third intermediate layer (45) are
respectively converted into thicknesses t1, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers
each having a predetermined refractive index "no", a defocus amount with respect to a layer
having a refractive index nrα and a thickness trα (satisfying: 1 ≤α≤n (where a is a positive
integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a layer having
the refractive index "no" and a thickness t α (satisfying: 1 ≤α≤n (where α is a positive integer
and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other; and the thicknesses t1, t2, t3, and t4
satisfy |tl-(t2+t3+t4)| ≥ 1 μm, a difference between any two values of the thicknesses tl, t2, t3,
and t4 is set to 1 μm or more in any case, and |(t1+t2)-(t3+t4)| ≥ 1 μm.