Abstract: A process for forming a visible image in which an electrophotographic element having a homogeneous and amorphous silicon layer as the sole photoconductive layer is provided with a charge image and the charge image is developed by a developing powder. The electrophotographic element has a very thin silicon layer with a thickness between 0.5 and 3 .mu.m and a dark decay time greater than 25 seconds. The photoconductive layer is developed by a one-component developing powder having a resistivity of less than 10.sup.5 ohm.meter.

Abstract: An amorphous silicon based photoconductive element for use in electrophotographic copying processes, which exhibits a suitably low dark discharge rate with other good photoelectric properties, is composed of an electrically conductive support having applied thereto, in sequence, a barrier layer consisting essentially of a doped hydrogen-containing amorphous silicon, an intermediate layer consisting essentially of substantially undoped hydrogen-containing amorphous silicon, an intermediate barrier layer consisting essentially of doped hydrogen-containing amorphous silicon and a main, charge receiving layer consisting essentially of substantially undoped hydrogen-containing amorphous silicon.