Reversible pulsed recording of optical information in some glassy films

Thin films of glassy chalcogenide materials were used in pulsed recording of optical information with the aid of laser or electron beams. The information was recorded and erased using the same source but a higher intensity was used in the recording stage. The film transmission in the recording and erasing stages changed by more than 50%. Conditions suitable for recording and erasing of optical information were determined.