A storage medium is provided that includes a magnetic recording tape having a first side and a second side, and a plurality of optically detectable indicia embedded in a servo layer disposed between the first side and the second side of the tape. The optical reflectivity and/or phase of the indicia are different from the surrounding servo layer, and the indicia are optically accessible from at least one of the first side and the second side of the tape. The servo layer may include an organic material wherein the indicia are created with an infrared or ultra violet light source.