Cylindrical optical data memory

The use of the data storage medium in a drive which is attuned to it and comprises a read device and, optionally, a write device, the read device and the optional write device being disposed in a recess in the central area of the data storage medium and being moved relative to the data storage medium, white the data storage medium is stationary, for the purpose of reading and/or writing information, wherein

• the data storage medium includes a spirally-wound polymer film having an optical property that can be changed locally by heat, the central area of the data storage medium containing no winding core so as to provide the recess, the periphery of the recess being formed by the innermost winding of the polymer film, wherein the data storage medium further comprises an absorber for absorbing the heat and subsequently emitting at least part of the absorbed heat to the polymer film.

A method for using a data storage medium including an optical information carrier which comprises a spiral-wound polymer film, the central area of the data storage medium being provided with a recess whose periphery is formed by the innermost winding of the polymer film the method comprising:

• disposing a read device having a read beam in the recess of the data storage medium;
• and
• moving the read device while keeping the data storage medium stationary in order to direct the read beam onto data storage medium to read data therefrom.

A data storage medium including a spirally-wound polymer film having an optical property that can be changed locally by heat, the central area of the data storage medium being provided with a recess which contains no winding core and whose periphery is formed by the innermost winding of the polymer film, wherein the data storage medium further comprises an absorber for absorbing the heat and subsequently emitting at least part of the absorbed heat to the polymer film.

A data storage medium including a spirally-wound information carrier, the central area of the data storage medium being provided with a recess which contains no winding core and whose periphery is formed by the innermost winding of the information carrier wherein the information carrier is spirally-wound so as to provide a plurality of plies and:

• an adhesion layer is disposed between adjacent plies of the information carrier.

A memory device comprising:

• a data storage medium including a spirally-wound information carrier, the central area of the data storage medium being provided with a recess which contains no winding core and whose periphery is formed by the innermost winding of the information carrier, wherein the information carrier is spirally-wound so as to provide a plurality of plies;
• and
• a read head provided in the recess for reading data from the spirally-wound information carrier by focusing a light beam on selected individual plies.

A memory device comprising:

• a data storage medium including a spirally-wound information carrier, the central area of the data storage medium being provided with a recess which contains no winding core and whose periphery is formed by the innermost winding of the information carrier, wherein the information carrier is spirally-wound so as to provide a plurality of plies;
• and
• a read/write head provided in the recess for reading data from and writing data to the spirally-wound information carrier by focusing a light beam on selected individual plies.