A compact disc recordable (CD-R) is a type of optical storage medium that allows users to record information, such as audio, video, or data, onto a blank CD using a laser beam. It is designed to be writable only once, meaning the recorded data cannot be erased or modified afterwards.
A CD-R is made up of a polycarbonate plastic substrate, which is a rigid and transparent material that serves as the foundation of the disc. This substrate is covered with a reflective metal layer, typically composed of silver or gold, which enables the laser beam to reflect off the disc. A protective layer, often made of lacquer or acrylic, encases the metal layer to prevent damage and enhance durability.
The process of recording data onto a CD-R involves exposing the disc to a laser beam that heats specific areas of the substrate, causing tiny pits to be formed. These pits represent the binary data being encoded onto the disc. The reflective metal layer allows the laser to be reflected differently when it hits a pit compared to an untouched area, which is read by CD players as either a 0 or 1 in binary code.
Once data has been recorded onto a CD-R, it becomes readable by any standard CD drive or player. It offers a convenient and portable way to store information, making it widely used for creating music albums, software installations, data backups, and more. Despite the advancements in technology, CD-Rs continue to be a popular medium due to their broad compatibility and ease of use.
