PURPOSE: To reduce a loss of energy due to heat conduction from a recording layer to a substrate and to obtain a recording material of high sensitivity by a method wherein a metal layer is provided on the upper side of a base layer having a smooth upper surface and a heat barrier layer and the recording layer wherein a chemical change is induced by a light beam are provided sequentially in such a manner that they overlay the metal layer.

CONSTITUTION: In an information recording medium to be used for a recording apparatus wherein a beam of light having intensity changing in conformity with information signals is directed on the recording medium as the recording medium moves, a metal layer 31 overlaying the upper side of a base layer having a smooth upper surface is provided. A heat barrier layer 33 reducing heat conduction caused by the light beam incident on the recording medium is laid thereon and a recording layer 35 wherein spaced chemical changes are brought about is provided thereon. The metal layer is provided so as to improve bonding of the heat barrier layer overlaying it and to improve the reflectance of a reading light beam scanning a disk just after a writing beam. The heat barrier layer overlaying the metal layer is provided mainly so as to reduce outward conduction of the heat from the incident writing beam by the metal layer under it.