Abstract: Method for producing a picture on the surface of a substrate by laser-printing comprising the steps of:generating still video information consisting of a series of gradational signals each of which corresponds to each of picture elements within a predetermined frame;preparing a substrate having a surface carbonizable or discolorable with heating;generating a laser beam having a sufficient energy to cause the carbonizing or discoloring of said surface;modulating the laser beam in accordance with said video information;scanning the modulated laser beam in accordance with said video information within said frame; anddirecting and focusing said scanned laser beam to form a sweeping spot over the surface area of said substrate corresponding to said predetermined frame, thereby producing a graphic pattern consisting of picture elements individually gradationally carbonized or discolored.

Abstract: A laser thermal printer is disclosed. The printer comprises a CO.sub.2 gas laser light source, a modulator for the laser beam from said laser source, an optical scanning system for scanning the laser beam, which is passed through said modulator, transversely of a predetermined recording surface while focusing it on said surface, and a web feed mechanism for feeding a heat-sensitive recording web, which presents said recording surface, in a direction at right angles with the direction of said beam scanning.