A method for manufacturing an optical disc master using an existing
exposure system, and a method for manufacturing an optical disc having
higher recording capacity. The method for manufacturing an optical disc,
using a master to produce the optical disc having an irregular pattern
thereon, the master being produced by the steps of forming a resist layer
composed of a resist material including an incomplete oxide of a
transition metal such as W or Mo on a substrate, the oxygen content of
the incomplete oxide being smaller than the oxygen content of the
stoichiometric composition corresponding to a valence of the transition
metal; selectively exposing the resist layer with laser according to a
recording signal pattern; and developing the resist layer to form the
predetermined irregular pattern.