Compact disc with light interference patterns

Credit: DAMIEN LOVEGROVE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Caption: Compact disc. Photograph of an audio compact disc. The CD stores music as a series of fine depressions, representing a digitised musical signal capable of being read by a laser. To reflect the laser light, the music layer is coated with a fine film of metal, normally aluminium, which follows the depressions exactly. The reflective surface is covered by a thick layer of transparent plastic which prevents dust scratches from affecting the sound quality. A standard audio CD can store about 80 minutes of music.

Release details: Model release not required. Property release not required.

Keywords: audio, audio sound, cd, communication, communications, compact disc, data storage, disc, technology

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