Static testing system for optical disks with an argon ion laser

We have developed a testing system with 514.5 nm argon ion laser to test the static properties of optical disks. The whole testing system is controlled by a computer. The laser power, pulse duration time and external applied magnetic field can be adjusted in a wide range. The focused spot size is less than 1 micrometers on the recording layer which allows high laser power irradiation, up to 30 mW. This testing system can evaluate the writing and erasing characteristics of phase-changes and magneto-optical disks. The design idea and experimental results of this testing system are presented.