An optical storage device and method of operating that device are disclosed. The device includes an optical storage medium, and a light source capable of generating light that is transmitted to the medium. The light generated by the light source is at a first wavelength that is within the vacuum ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum and satisfies at least one of the following criteria: (i) the wavelength is within a 1.0 nm-wide window in the vacuum ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum at which a local minimum in the absorption coefficient of Oxygen (O.sub.2) occurs; and (ii) the absorption coefficient of Oxygen (O.sub.2) at standard temperature and pressure that corresponds to the wavelength is less than 25 atm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1. In one embodiment, the light is at approximately 121.6 nm, and the light source is a gas discharge light source that produces light at the Hydrogen Lyman-.alpha. line.