Abstract: An image-forming method applying a heat-sensitive transfer system which uses a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet and a heat-sensitive transfer sheet, in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a support, at least one dye receptor layer on the support, and at least one heat insulation layer containing both hollow polymer particles and a hydrophilic polymer that is disposed between the dye receptor layer and the support; and the heat-sensitive transfer sheet has at least one yellow heat transfer layer, at least one magenta heat transfer layer, and/or at least one cyan heat transfer layer on a support: comprising controlling each glass transition point (Tg-A) of three heat transfer layers so that they decrease in area order; and comprising transferring at least three kinds of heat transfer dyes contained in the heat transfer layers to the dye receptor layer in order.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet is provided in a form that it is wound into a roll and all periphery of the roll is covered with a protective sheet, and in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet contains, on a support, at least one receptor layer containing a latex polymer, and at least one heat-insulating layer containing hollow polymer particles.

Abstract: Radiation curable thermal transfer elements including a substrate and a light-to-heat conversion layer overlaying the substrate, and processes to make the thermal transfer elements. The light-to-heat conversion layer is derived from a radiation curable material capable of being cured by exposure to radiation at a curing wavelength and an imaging radiation absorber material not substantially increasing radiation absorbance at the curing wavelength. The radiation curable transfer elements can be used in processes for making organic microelectronic devices.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image-receiving sheet comprising, on a support, at least one image-receiving layer containing at least one polymer latex and comprising at least one heat-insulating layer between the receiving layer and the support, wherein at least one layer on the support is formed by water-base coating and at least one layer on the support contains a defoaming agent.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) donor film having a substrate, a light-to-heat conversion layer overlaying the substrate, and a transfer layer overlaying the light-to-heat conversion layer. A surface of the transfer layer includes microstructured or nanostructured features, in a continuous or discontinuous pattern, embossed or otherwise imparted in the transfer layer. The features provide break points to assist in release and transfer of portions of the transfer layer to a permanent receptor in a pattern defined by the features.

Abstract: An image forming method of forming a full-color image in which black can be expressed in addition to a color expressed by diffracted light. Each of plural diffraction gratings R, G, and B is transferred onto a base material from a transfer sheet in which the plural diffraction gratings R, G, and B are laminated, and the plural diffraction gratings R, G, and B are different from one another in a color of diffracted light observed in a particular direction. A black ink layer constituted by black ink is formed on the base material. Thereby, a color image is formed on the base material, in which a color to be expressed of each pixel is expressed by a combination of luminances of colors corresponding to the diffraction gratings R, G, and B and the black ink.

Abstract: A process for the production of a multi-color image is described. Preferably a transfer film is used which has a laser-sensitive layer (4). The laser-sensitive layer (4) comprises a three-component mixture. The components are coloring agents which are bleachable with laser radiation, in particular pigments, for example cyan pigment, magenta pigment and yellow pigment. With the process the procedure is such that in the individual steps only a respective one of the pigment components is bleached insofar as the laser conditions which are respectively specific to the various pigment components are set. This means that in the case of the three-component mixture only a first component is bleached by laser treatment of a given location in a first step by laser irradiation and only one other component is bleached in an optional second step and only one third component is bleached in an optional third step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective heat transferable overcoat element comprising a support having thereon a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I. The present invention also relates to a thermal transfer dye donor element comprising a support having on one side thereof at least one dye layer and a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I and a thermal transfer assemblage comprising at least one thermal transfer donor element comprising a support having on one side thereof a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I. Finally, the present invention relates to a protected image reproduction comprising a support, an imaging layer containing an image, and a transferred protective heat transferable overcoat comprising a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I.

Abstract: A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having first, second and third sub-pixel regions and first, second and third border regions between adjacent sub-pixel regions, first red, first green and first blue color filter patterns at the first, second and third sub-pixel regions, respectively, and second red, second green and second blue color filter patterns at each of the first, second and third border regions.

Abstract: Radiation curable thermal transfer elements including a substrate and a light-to-heat conversion layer overlaying the substrate, and processes to make the thermal transfer elements. The light-to-heat conversion layer is derived from a radiation curable material capable of being cured by exposure to radiation at a curing wavelength and an imaging radiation absorber material not substantially increasing radiation absorbance at the curing wavelength. The radiation curable transfer elements can be used in processes for making organic microelectronic devices.

Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.

Abstract: A thermal printers and printing methods are provided. The thermal printer has a first thermal print head adapted to pressure a first donor web against the receiver medium and to selectively transfer donor material to the receiver medium in an image wise fashion to form a first image in an image receiving area of the receiver medium; and a second thermal print head adapted to pressure a second donor web against the receiver medium and to selectively transfer second donor material to the receiver medium in an image wise fashion to form a second image in the image receiving area. A receiver medium transport system moves receiver medium along a printing path and the first thermal print head and the second thermal print head are positioned along the path so that they can apply donor material to the receiver medium at least in part simultaneously when instructed by a controller.

Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to light comprises a support layer formed by a stretching process, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed adjacent the support layer containing a light absorber, and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the light-to-heat conversion layer opposite the support layer. The light-to-heat conversion layer is coated on the support prior to completion of the stretching process.

Abstract: A thermal transfer device used for forming a display device includes a donor layer capable of modulating light by application of external energy, a print heat for conducting thermal energy to the donor layer, at least one donor element formed by the donor layer absorbing the thermal energy and a substrate receiving the at least one donor element forming at least one light modulation unit thereon. First pixel electrodes can be first formed on a surface of the substrate contacting the light modulation units and then second pixel electrodes are formed on the light modulation units. A basic display unit therefore can be made.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an OLED and a donor substrate are provided. The method includes: preparing a base substrate of a donor substrate; forming a light to heat conversion layer and a transfer layer on the base substrate; preparing a donor substrate including performing a dry cleaning process after forming the transfer layer; preparing a substrate, on which the transfer layer of the donor substrate is to be transferred; laminating the donor substrate and the substrate; and patterning the transfer layer by irradiating a laser to transfer the transfer layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) donor films, and methods of preparing them, having a substrate, a light-to-heat conversion layer, and a pattern-directing layer. The pattern-directing layer can include patterns of self-assembled monolayer regions, hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, positively or negatively charged regions, or a series of raised or recessed features. It can also be used to generate charge patterns and magnetic patterns. The pattern-directing layer causes patterning of a transfer layer applied to it, resulting in a templated transfer layer. When imaged, the LITI donor film transfers at least a portion of the templated transfer layer to a permanent receptor while maintaining the pattern substantially intact in the transferred portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a multi-layer image, preferably a multi-color image. A transfer film which is applied to a paper ubstrate and which is treated with laser irradiation is used. The transfer film has a laser-sensitive layer and a background layer arranged therebeneath. The laser-sensitive layer comprises laser-sensitive material, for example laser-sensitive pigments or other laser-sensitive coloring agents. The laser-sensitive material in the layer is region-wise bleached by laser irradiation. That results in a so-called laser-induced image component. As it is transparent or partly transparent, the background layer which is arranged therebeneath and which can have a printed image then becomes visible from above in that region. That therefore gives a multi-layer image which is formed by the laser-induced image component and by the background layer jointly.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) donor film having a substrate, a light-to-heat conversion layer overlaying the substrate, and a transfer layer overlaying the light-to-heat conversion layer. A surface of the transfer layer includes microstructured or nanostructured features, in a continuous or discontinuous pattern, embossed or otherwise imparted in the transfer layer. The features provide break points to assist in release and transfer of portions of the transfer layer to a permanent receptor in a pattern defined by the features.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal transfer donor element comprising a support layer and a transfer layer supported by the support layer and comprising a binder containing carboxylic acid groups. The transfer layer includes an organic compound containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a hydroxyl group concentration of less than 18 mM/g and at least one connecting group, wherein the organic compound is free of any N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide and any rosin ester. In another embodiment, a method of using the donor element is provided, particularly in the manufacture of a color filter.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal transfer donor element comprising a support layer and a transfer layer supported by the support layer and comprising a binder containing carboxylic acid groups. The transfer layer includes an organic compound containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a hydroxyl group concentration of less than 18 mM/g and at least one connecting group, wherein the organic compound is free of any N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide and any rosin ester. In another embodiment, a method of using the donor element is provided, particularly in the manufacture of a color filter.

Abstract: An optical imaging system is disclosed for selective thermal transfer of a material from a donor film to a substrate. The imaging system includes a light source assembly that is configured to emit a patterned light beam. The patterned light beam includes a plurality of discrete output light segments where the segments at most partially overlap. The imaging system further includes a light relay assembly that receives and projects the plurality of discrete output light segments onto a transfer plane so as to form a projected light segment by a substantial superposition of the plurality of discrete output light segments. When a donor film that includes a transferable material is placed proximate a substrate that lies in the transfer plane, the projected light segment is capable of inducing a transfer of the transferable material onto the substrate.

Abstract: An anti-copy film is disclosed. The film has a light transmissive imageable substrate having opposing first and second surfaces. Each surface has an image receptive coating. Complementary positive and negative images are disposed on the first and second surfaces such that an imaged area on the first surface is in registration with a non-imaged area on the second surface. The anti-copy film appears substantially opaque when viewed orthogonally to and appears partially transparent when viewed obliquely to either the first or second surfaces.

Abstract: A thermal donor element having a dye layer on an extruded substrate, wherein the extruded substrate includes a polyester-containing material and a slip agent, but does not contain silica particles, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides metal compositions, including silver compositions, and thermal imaging donors prepared with the compositions. The donors are useful for thermal transfer patterning of a metal layers and optionally, a corresponding proximate portion of an additional transfer layer onto a thermal imaging receiver. The compositions are useful for dry fabrication of electronic devices. Also provided are patterned multilayer compositions comprising one or more base film(s), and one or more patterned metal layers, including EMI shields and touchpad sensors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing color filter substrate of an LCD device is disclosed. The method includes forming black matrix layers on a substrate except in pixel regions, positioning a printing film above the substrate, the printing film including a color filter printing layer, an overcoat layer, and a transforming layer, and patterning a corresponding color filter layer and a corresponding overcoat layer in each of the pixel regions by applying light to the printing film in a region corresponding to any one of the pixel regions.

Abstract: Methods of forming a patterned semiconducting-dielectric material on a substrate by thermal processes are disclosed, comprising heating a thermally imageable donor element comprising a substrate and a transfer layer of semiconductive material in conjunction with a dielectric. The donor is exposed with the positive image of the desired pattern to be formed on the receiver, such that the exposed portions of the layer of semiconductive and dielectric material are simultaneously transferred, forming the desired pattern of semiconductive and dielectric material on the receiver. The semiconducting material can be patterned to form a thin film transistor. The method can also be used to pattern a light-emitting polymer or small molecule in conjunction with the charge injection layer to form the light-emitting display for light-sensitive organic electronic devices. Donor elements for use in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display is provided. The laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes a stage where a substrate is positioned; a transport device for transporting a donor substrate; a laminator for laminating the substrate to the donor substrate; a laser optical unit for performing the LITI, and a chamber supplied with an atmospheric pressure of an inert gas in which the stage, the laminator, and the laser optical unit are positioned.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus, and a laser induced thermal imaging method and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display using the apparatus are provided. The laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes a chuck for fixing an acceptor substrate. A lamination unit for laminating a donor film on the acceptor substrate is located on the chuck. The lamination unit includes a body having a cavity, a gas injection port for injecting a compression gas into the cavity and a gas discharge port for discharging the gas injected into the cavity onto the substrate. A laser irradiator for irradiating a laser beam on the laminated donor film through the lamination unit is located on the lamination unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal donor comprising a dye mixture and a urea light-stabilizing compound, wherein the light-stabilizing compound is represented by structure I: wherein: R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, provided that at least one of R1, R2, and/or R3 is a hydrogen atom; R4-R8 represent a hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkenyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, heterocyclic group, aryloxy group, or alkoxy group; and R3 forms a heterocyclic ring with either R4 or R8, and an imaging system comprising a donor sheet having a layer containing a dye and an image receiving sheet having a dye receiving layer, wherein either the donor sheet or the image receiving sheet comprises a dye mixture and a urea light-stabilizing compound of structure I.

Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an organic light emitting display is provided. The method includes repeatedly scanning a laser beam over a predetermined region of a donor substrate with multi-lines in one step using a galvanometer to form an organic layer pattern. The method of the present invention is capable of reducing process time required to form the organic layer pattern and lowering manufacturing cost by repeating multi-line scanning in one step through the laser beam using the galvanometer, when the organic layer pattern is formed using an LITI method.

Abstract: Described is a multi-layer body having two laser-sensitive layers 4, 32. The multi-layer body is a body laminated from the overlay films 30, 32, the inlets 90, 90 and the further overlay films 30, 30. At its underside the upper overlay film 30 has a layer structure applied there, by the application of a hot stamping film. The layer structure comprises a lacquer layer 50, a reflection layer 5r, a laser-sensitive layer 4, a background layer 5 and an adhesive layer 6. A diffraction and/or hologram structure 5b is provided in the lacquer layer 5c, the reflection layer 5r and the laser-sensitive layer 4. The second laser-sensitive layer is formed by the carbon-doped overlay film 32. By means of laser treatment, it is possible to produce a laser-induced, preferably colored image component in the upper laser-sensitive layer 4 and a further laser-sensitive image component, preferably in the form of a gray scale image, in the subjacent carbon-doped laser-sensitive layer 32.

Abstract: A method of forming a glossy area on a pre-press proof is provided, wherein the method includes printing a spot varnish layer, wherein the presence of the spot varnish enhances the glossiness of the overprinted color layers of the image. The method provides a pre-press proof simulating a printed spot varnish.

Abstract: A donor substrate for laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display (OLED) using the donor substrate are provided. A conductive frame is disposed on and connected to an anti-static layer of the donor substrate and frames the periphery of the donor substrate. The conductive frame is connected to a grounded stage. An organic layer is formed using LITI, and the generation of static electricity is controlled.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making an article bearing a relief image using a removable film. First, an imageable film that contains at least a mask substrate and an imageable material is imagewise exposed to imaging radiation to form an imaged film. The imaged film is then transferred to an imageable article, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of photosensitive material on the imageable article. Following exposure to curing radiation, the imaged film is then removed from the imageable article. The imageable article is then developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image. The imaged film may then be reused to make additional articles bearing the relief image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards several aspects of imprint lithography that have to be improved to address imprinting of partial fields and dies at the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: In one method of making an organic electroluminescent device, a transfer layer is solution coated on a donor substrate. The transfer layer includes an amorphous, non-polymeric, organic matrix with a light emitting material disposed in the matrix. The transfer layer is then selectively patterned on a receptor. Examples of patterning methods include laser thermal transfer or thermal head transfer. The method and associated materials can be used to form, for example, organic electroluminescent devices.

Abstract: An image-forming method having: superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on an image-receiving sheet so that a receptor layer can be contacted with a thermal transfer layer; and providing thermal energy in accordance with image signals given from a thermal head; in which the heat-sensitive transfer sheet is a sheet containing the thermal transfer layer that contains a colorant and at least one polyester as a binder component of the thermal transfer layer, in which at least one-second by molar ratio of the acid component of said polyester is terephtharic acid, or a sheet containing a thermal transfer layer that contains a colorant on one surface of a substrate film and a heat-resistant sliding layer formed so as to contain a hardener on the other surface of the substrate film; and the image-receiving sheet contains, on a support, the receptor layer that contains one of polyester and/or polycarbonate polymers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method using an additional heat-treatment process for a donor film with improved surface roughness. The improved donor film, used in a laser induced thermal imaging method, is capable of enhancing the lifetime of products and reducing the defect rates thereof. A manufacturing method for a donor film according to the invention, includes: providing a donor film comprising a base film, a light-to-heat conversion layer and an organic film; heating the donor film to provide a heat-treated donor film; and cooling the heat-treated donor film. The surface roughness of a donor film can be improved, and the non-uniform distribution of a laser on a region subjected to the LITI process can be minimized to prevent the over- or under-transfer of an transferred organic film, etc., and the non-uniform adhesion of the transferred organic film with an acceptor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions formed from polyanaline and carbon nanotubes, which exhibit enhanced conductivity and which provide uses in electronic circuit applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermally transferring an imaging material from an imaging donor to a receiver to form a pattern of the imaging material on the receiver in which a transparent texturing material is thermally transferred, preferably by laser exposure, from a texturing donor to the receiver prior to thermally transferring the imaging material to the receiver.

Abstract: A masking film has a unique polymeric binder in the imageable layer that enables the imaged film to be readily solubilized in non-chlorinated developers when it is used to form a relief image in a radiation-sensitive element, such as a UV-sensitive flexographic printing plate precursor. The polymeric binders in the imageable layer are resins that can be dissolved or dispersed in cyclohexane at 10% solids at 23° C. within 24 hours.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.

Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for increasing the level of safeguard in respect of forgery of paper documents. For that purpose, applied to the paper document is a transfer film or laminating film having a laser-sensitive layer. This multi-layer body is then treated with laser radiation. In that case, a laser-induced marking is produced in the laser-sensitive layer, for example, by laser-induced bleaching, laser-induced color change or laser-induced blackening. Respective individualization of the document can be effected by way of that laser-induced marking.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image receiving sheet comprising a heat insulating layer and a layer adjacent to the heat insulating layer on a substrate, wherein the heat insulating layer is provided between the layer and the substrate, the heat insulating layer contains hollow particles in an amount of at least 65 percent by mass, and the heat insulating layer and the layer are formed by simultaneous multi-layer coating.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a donor substrate and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display (OLED) using the donor substrate. The method of fabricating the donor substrate includes preparing a base substrate that includes at least one transfer region and at least one non-transfer region, forming a light-to-heat conversion layer on the base substrate and depositing a transfer layer selectively on the light-to-heat conversion layer and in the at least one transfer region of the base substrate using a shadow mask. To then make the OLED, laser induced thermal imaging is used to transfer the patterned transfer layer from the donor substrate to display regions in an acceptor substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a resist pattern on a substrate (18) places a donor element (12) having a layer of thermoresist material proximate the substrate. A gap is maintained such that the surface of the layer of thermoresist material is spaced apart from the surface of the substrate by a number of spacing elements. Thermal energy is directed toward the donor element (12) according to the resist pattern, whereby a portion of thermoresist material is transferred from the donor element (12) across the gap by ablative transfer and is deposited onto the substrate (18) forming the resist pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming a color filter substrate of a liquid crystal display device includes forming a black matrix on a substrate; attaching a color filter transfer film to the substrate, wherein the color filter transfer film includes red, green, and blue color filter patterns; irradiating a laser beam to an entirety of the color filter transfer film; removing the color filter transfer film from the substrate after the irradiating so, wherein red, green, and blue color filter patterns remain on the substrate; and curing the red, green, and blue color filter patterns remaining on the substrate.

Abstract: A donor element is described for use in a thermal imaging process. The donor element includes a support; a heating layer, and a colorant containing thermally imageable layer comprising a crosslinkable binder having a number average molecular weight of about 1,500 to about 70,000. A process for making a color filter using a thermal imaging process, and a liquid crystal display using this color filter are also described.