Abstract: A heat mode recording element is disclosed comprising a metal recording layer, preferably a bismuth layer, and a layer containing a roughening agent underneath the metal layer. An image is formed by exposure with intense laser light and the presence of the roughening agent reduces or eliminates interference patterns. In an alternative embodiment a roughened support is used instead of a layer containing a roughening agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of a heat-mode recording material having "direct read after write" (DRAW) capability and containing a heat-mode recording layer on a permanent support, wherein said process comprises in consecutive order the steps of (1) forming a laminated web by laminating with heat and pressure to said recording layer a single adhesive layer or multiple layer assemblage carried by a web-type temporary support which layer or layer assemblage has a thickness not larger than 20 .mu.m, and (2) separating said temporary support from said adhesive layer leaving said single adhesive layer through hardening as a protective element on said recording layer, or (2') separating said temporary support from said adhesive layer assemblage leaving said layer assemblage as a protective element on said recording layer through hardening of at least the outermost layer of the transferred layer assemblage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining an image comprising the steps of:image-wise exposing to intense radiation a heat mode recording material comprising on a support (i) a donor layer containing an image forming substance capable of being transferred upon heating to an image receiving material, (ii) a barrier layer being impermeable for said image forming substance and overlaying said donor layer, and (iii) a light-to-heat converting substance, capable of absorbing the light used for exposing said heat mode recording material and releasing the absorbed energy under the form of heat,rubbing, under dry conditions or with the aid of a non-solvent for the barrier layer, the thus obtained image-wise exposed heat mode recording material to remove said barrier layer at the exposed parts andoverall heating the exposed heat mode recording material whilst in contact with an image receiving material thereby causing an image-wise transfer of said image forming substance to said image receiving material.