Optical Data Storage : Phase-Change Media and Recording

This is an overview of recording principles, materials aspects, and applications of rewritable optical storage. Elements of data recording, including mark formation, eraseability, direct overwrite strategies, data quality and data stability are explained and extensively discussed. Throughout the book, a mark formation model is described and used to back-up measurement results and support the discussed applications. High-speed and dual-layer recording are analyzed in depth, with proposals to achieve higher performance.

I read this book on my way back from a conference in Colorado and I wasn't happy that Silicon Valley is so close to Colorado.
Intro and 5 chapters give full good overview of optical data storage and plenty of experimental data.
Book is very useful for students and engineers (optics, material sci., mechanics) and everybody who want to know how his/her DVD or CD is working.

By 
Semyon D. Savransky (Silicon Valley, California, USA)