How is CDR made? guru please...

[arrowhead]

A CDR has 2 sides: a side which we can put label or mark with a pen; and the other side which I used to think CD-RW write data to.

But recently I accidently peered off the original cover on the back of a CDR, and this made this CDR damaged and the data on it can't be read. It can't be played on DVD player either.

When we write to a CDR, where is data burned to? Is the data written on the plastic thick plate, or on inner side of the thin metal cover? Why peering off the cover cause CDR damaged?

[LanEvo7]

Its usually three layers.

Top protective layer
Organic layer
Thick Plastic layer

The laser makes its marks on the organic layer. Since the bottom is protected by the thick plastic layer, its easier to make a cd unreadable if you scratch the top.

[gNOMEintheRedHat]

The plastic disk only has a groov in it that holds the DYE that the Laser BURNS to write the data.
There is a thin reflective layer on top that the laser bounces back from.

Damaging the reflective layer will ruin the disk.
It can also remove the DYE layer too, as it is a VERY thin layer.