System and method for high resolution optical recording using an induced shift in media absorption

A method of optical data recording comprising the steps of:

• generating a radiation beam at a first wavelength, wherein said first wavelength is between a second and a third wavelength;
• modulating said radiation beam with data to be recorded on said medium;
• providing an optical recording medium having an absorption response with an absorption edge between said second and said third wavelength such that an amount of radiation absorbed by said medium varies as a function of wavelength for wavelengths between said second and said third wavelength;
• applying said radiation beam to said recording medium;
• and
• inducing a shift in said absorption response of said recording medium such that said medium absorbs additional radiation at said first wavelength.

An optical recording system comprising:

• an optical source to generate a radiation beam at a first wavelength, wherein said first wavelength is between a second and a third wavelength;
• and
• an optical recording medium to which said radiation beam is applied, said medium having a substrate and a layer underlying said substrate, said layer having an absorption response such that an amount of radiation absorbed by said layer varies as a function of wavelength for wavelengths between said second and said third wavelength;
• wherein said radiation beam induces a wavelength shift in said absorption response in a region of said layer illuminated by said beam such that said layer absorbs a different amount of radiation at said first wavelength.