Preservation of images on optical information carriers at high humidity and under conditions of infection by mold-producing fungi

The preservation of images on optical information carriers of various types (silver-halide, vesicular, diazo-compound, and photothermoplastic) has bee n investigated during 12 years of testing under extremely severe conditions : 98% humidity and infection with spores of the most active fungi encounter ed in the world (Aspergillus terreus, Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium sysl opium, and Trichuderma viride). It has been shown that photothermoplastic m aterials of various types and diazo DSL-2 film do not display signs of cont amination by the fungi under the conditions of maximum humidity over the co urse of 12 years and can be stored indefinitely in very damp rooms. (C) 200 0 The Optical Society of America. [S1070-9762(00)00702-8].