Systems, materials, and methods for increasing the storage capacity of optical recording media are provided. In one aspect, the systems of the present invention take advantage of high NA optics to realize ultra high storage capacity. In another aspect, the systems of the present invention include the use of a liquid interface between the recording medium and a liquid interface singlet objective lens to increase storage capacity. The invention also provides for a material system that allows shorter wavelengths to be used for recording and readout. Further, the invention provides for recording methods wherein the wavelength for recording to a medium is longer than the wavelength for reading from the medium. Additionally, the invention includes a multilayer structure for recording media that increases storage capacity. In another aspect of the present invention, high NA optics and related systems and methods are utilized to increase the storage capacity of optical storage systems.