Embodiments show a recording medium adapted for recording and read-out with relatively low-power laser means to write digital data "bits" (as reflectance changes) for high density computer storage. One preferred medium comprises a disk support having an "anti-reflective" surface on which is laid a gold "information layer" adapted to absorb recording radiation (from laser beam) and so "write" the bits. The anti-reflective surface may comprise a high- reflectance surface, like an aluminum film, covered with a transparent (to beam) dielectric "spacer" like Si0 2 . The gold (absorber) layer exhibits surprisingly high sensitivity, apt for low power recording, and extended archival stability; more surprising, it appears to be formed without any evidence of the usual "pit formation" or other deformation and by relatively slight laser-heating, well below the melting pointl