Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material having at least one coloring agent layer and at least one overcoat layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one of the overcoat layers contains a non-self-oxidizing, low temperature heat decomposable polymer which, when heated at a rate of 10° C./min, starting at room temperature, decreases in weight by 50% or more before reaching 300° C. This laser ablative recording material is characterized by excellent scratch resistance, a low Dmin, and a very high dye removing efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material having at least one coloring agent layer and at least one overcoat layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one of the overcoat layers contains a non-self-oxidizing, low temperature heat decomposable polymer which, when heated at a rate of 10° C./min, starting at room temperature, decreases in weight by 50% or more before reaching 300° C. This laser ablative recording material is characterized by excellent scratch resistance, a low Dmin, and a very high dye removing efficiency.

Abstract: A color filter layer for a multicolor, liquid crystal display device which contains a plurality of color filters formed electrochemically on delineated stripes of transparent electrodes which are formed substantially parallel to each other on a transparent insulating substrate. The color filters are electrically conductive. A transparent resin material leveling layer fills gaps between the color filters.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of depositing a lubricating layer on an imaging element. The method includes providing a polymer or a wax selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), fluorinated ethylene copolymers, polyethylenes, high density polyethylene, natural waxes such as Carnauba wax, synthetic waxes, and silicone waxes in a deposition chamber. The chamber is evacuated to a pressure of 10−1 Torr or less. A carrier gas, preferably selected from N2, O2, Ar, is bled into the chamber while maintaining the pressure in the chamber to 100 mTorr or less. The polymer or wax is heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the polymer or wax, and the imaging element is continuously moved through the chamber depositing the polymer or wax on the imaging element to form the lubricating layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in a method which comprises the steps of: forming an image using the intermediate transfer recording medium on an object; and forming a protective layer on the image. In this case, fastness properties can be fully imparted to the image, the protective layer can be transferred onto the image with high accuracy in a simple manner, blocking and the like attributable to the exposure of a pressure-sensitive adhesive do not take place, and the design and the fastness properties are excellent. An image forming method using the intermediate transfer recording medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature. Since the developing paper contains a plasticizing agent including a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, the developing paper has an excellent light resistance. Moreover, since the plasticizing agent contains a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, there is no danger of precipitation of the plasticizing agent from the surface of the developing paper. Furthermore, the developing paper containing the aforementioned plasticizing agent enables to obtain a desirable plasticizing effect.

Abstract: A combination digital/analog color proofing method having the steps of: digitally forming a color thermal image on a receiver element comprising a receiver support and an image receiving layer; laminating the digitally formed image with a film comprising a support having a release surface and a thermoplastic polymer layer; removing the support thereby revealing the thermoplastic polymer layer, and leaving the digitally formed image encased between the image receiving layer and the thermoplastic polymer layer; and laminating an analog color image to the revealed thermoplastic polymer layer to create a color proof having at least two color images.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for ablation-type lithographic printing plates include solvent, non-solvent and lubricating components, the vapor pressures and concentrations of the various components being chosen such that the mixture never becomes too rich in solvent. In this way, the solvent's effect is directed primarily at thermal byproducts, which, because they are exposed and already partly decomposed, are more vulnerable to solvent action than the intact, anchored plate constituents in unimaged regions. The compositions are used in conjunction with mechanical rubbing of the plate surface following imaging.

Abstract: A process for forming an abrasion-resistant antistatic layer for an imaging element comprises: adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition of an electronically-conductive polymer to a pH of about 3 to about 10, and combining the pH-adjusted aqueous composition of the electronically-conductive polymer with an aqueous composition at a pH greater than 7 of a polyurethane film-forming binder having a tensile elongation to break of at least 50% and a Young's modulus measured at 2% elongation of at least 50000 psi. The process further comprises applying the resulting coating composition to the imaging element, thereby forming an abrasion-resistant antistatic layer on the element. The antistatic layer coating composition of the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of imaging elements, including, for example, photographic, electrostatographic, photothermographic, migration, electrothermographic, dielectric recording and thermal-dye-transfer imaging elements.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising a base wherein said base comprises at least one layer of heat shrinkable sheet and at least one strength layer.

Abstract: A particle beam lithography method for imaging a structure pattern onto one or more fields on a substrate (11) by means of electrically charged particles, e.g. ions, in which a particle beam is shaped into a desired beam pattern by means of a mask positioned in the particle beam, converted into a beam pattern by apertures in the mask and projected onto the substrate to form an image of the mask apertures. According to the invention, a plurality of masks is positioned on one mask carrier, thus offering a plurality of aperture patterns which are used for producing structure patterns to be imaged onto respective areas (S) of the substrate. The patterns thus imaged, as a whole, combine together to form e.g. the total pattern of a die-field (D) of the substrate (11).

Abstract: A disazo dye for thermal transfer recording of the following formula (I): wherein each of rings A and B which are independent of each other, is a benzene ring which may have a substituent, R1 is a C1-4 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and R2 is a group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and a C1-4 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a base paper, and biaxially oriented sheets on each side of said base paper wherein said biaxially oriented sheets and said base paper have the strongest direction of each web within 3 degrees of the machine direction or cross direction, and wherein each web has a machine direction to cross machine direction stiffness ratio of greater than 1.5 or less than 0.7.

Abstract: A method and composition for fusing toner to paper using hydrofluorocarbons or perfluorinated C1-C4 alkyl alkyl ethers as a toner fusing agent in a cold fusion process. The composition utilizes a uniform mixture of at least one chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon or perfluorinated C1-C4 alkyl alkyl ether or mixture thereof, and preferably at least one toner stabilizer and/or an optional solvent. When used, the chlorine-free composition achieves satisfactory fusing and is more environmentally advantageous than chlorine containing toner fusing agents. The composition has a zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising at least one image layer and a base, said base comprising a cellulose paper that has its surfaces impregnated with water dispersible ester-based condensation polymer wherein the surface of said base has a roughness of less than 2.03 &mgr;m Ra and a hydrophobicity as measured by 40/20 Acid Valley test in excess of 500 seconds.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer and a cellulose paper base wherein said base has an upper surface roughness of between 0.30 and 0.95 &mgr;m at a spatial frequency of between 200 cycles/mm and 1300 cycles/mm.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is disclosed that includes a substrate, a transfer layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed between the substrate and the transfer layer, and an underlayer disposed between the substrate and the light-to-heat conversion layer. The underlayer manages heat flow between layers of the donor element during imaging. For example, the underlayer can increase heat transport from the light-to-heat conversion layer to the substrate to prevent overheating. The underlayer can also be used to insulate the substrate from heat generated in the light-to-heat conversion layer or to increase heat flow to the transfer layer during imaging. Managing heat flow using an underlayer can improve transfer properties and/or reduce defect formation during imaging.

Abstract: A process for forming an abrasion-resistant antistatic layer for an imaging element comprises: adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition of an electronically-conductive polymer to a pH of about 3 to about 10, and combining the pH-adjusted aqueous composition of the electronically-conductive polymer with an aqueous composition at a pH greater than 7 of a polyurethane film-forming binder having a tensile elongation to break of at least 50% and a Young's modulus measured at 2% elongation of at least 50000 psi. The process further comprises applying the resulting coating composition to the imaging element, thereby forming an abrasion-resistant antistatic layer on the element. The antistatic layer coating composition of the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of imaging elements, including, for example, photographic, electrostatographic, photothermographic, migration, electrothermographic, dielectric recording and thermal-dye-transfer imaging elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an image layer, a voided layer below said image layer, and below said voided layer a layer comprising white pigment wherein said imaging member is substantially free of white pigment above said voided layer, and said voided layer comprises a polymer matrix and voids containing gas.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A laser ablative recording material having on a support a coloring agent layer containing a fluorine-containing surfactant, in which the fluorine-containing surfactant is a copolymer made of: (Condition I) either or both of acrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group and methacrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group (the fluoroaliphatic group herein includes 3 to 20 carbon atoms and fluorine atoms of 40% or more by weight where a half or above of atoms bonded to three carbon atoms constituting terminal portions are fluorine atoms.); and (Condition II) either or both of poly(oxyalkylene) acrylate and poly(oxyalkylene) methacrylate, wherein monomer units according to Condition I are 20 to 80 percent by weight of the copolymer is disclosed. This laser ablative recording material has features of a uniform surface state and a uniform film thickness profile, a small Dmin of the laser exposure portion, and smaller deviations in a maximum density.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature.

Abstract: A direct write lithographic printing plate includes a base layer; a metal light absorbing layer provided over the base layer; and a melanophobic layer provided over the metal absorbing layer and selected to have a thickness which minimizes reflection of light from the metal layer so that light which passes through a selected portion of the melanophobic layer and into the metal light absorbing layer, is absorbed by such metal layer to provide a heat source which causes the removal, at the selected portion, of the melanophobic layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material which has one or more layers including a coloring agent layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one layer from among one or more layers including the coloring agent layer contains nitric acid ester of carboxyalkyl cellulose having a degree of nitric ester group substitution per glucose anhydride unit within a range of from 0.05 to 2.8; and at least one layer from among one or more layers including the coloring agent layer contains a material having absorption in the laser wavelength region. The laser ablative recording material of the invention is characterized by a small Dmin and a high removing efficiency of the image forming dyes.

Abstract: A developing paper having an image receiving dye layer containing a plasticizing agent on a substrate, the plasticizing agent including a solid plasticizing agent which is solid in the application temperature and a liquid plasticizing agent which is liquid in the application temperature. Since the developing paper contains a plasticizing agent including a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, the developing paper has an excellent light resistance. Moreover, since the plasticizing agent contains a liquid plasticizing agent and a solid plasticizing agent, there is no danger of precipitation of the plasticizing agent from the surface of the developing paper. Furthermore, the developing paper containing the aforementioned plasticizing agent enables to obtain a desirable plasticizing effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission display material comprising a paper base, a lower layer of biaxially oriented polymer sheet, a polyethylene layer on the upper side of said paper base, and at least one image layer overlaying said polyethylene layer.

Abstract: A laser ablative recording material having on a support a coloring agent layer containing a fluorine-containing surfactant, in which the fluorine-containing surfactant is a copolymer made of: (Condition I) either or both of acrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group and methacrylate having a fluoroaliphatic group (the fluoroaliphatic group herein includes 3 to 20 carbon atoms and fluorine atoms of 40% or more by weight where a half or above of atoms bonded to three carbon atoms constituting terminal portions are fluorine atoms.); and (Condition II) either or both of poly(oxyalkylene) acrylate and poly(oxyalkylene) methacrylate, wherein monomer units according to Condition I are 20 to 80 percent by weight of the copolymer is disclosed. This laser ablative recording material has features of a uniform surface state and a uniform film thickness profile, a small Dmin of the laser exposure portion, and smaller deviations in a maximum density.

Abstract: A high resolution thermal imaging medium including a support web having an image forming surface of a material which may be temporarily liquified by heat and upon which is deposited a particulate or porous layer of an image forming substance which is wettable by the material during its liquified state.

Abstract: A method of forming a mark on a molding, which includes the steps of: (a)feeding a film having a first surface and a second surface (b) disposing a paint containing a paint component on the first surface of the film, where the paint has a lower melting point than the film, (c) positioning the film on the surface of a molding so that the paint contacts the surface of the molding, and (d) forming a mark by emitting an energy ray from the second surface side of the film, and transferring and disposing the paint positioned on the first surface of the illuminated portion on the surface of the molding, thereby forming a mark. The molding is a resin molding formed of a material containing resin. In this constitution, a mark with a desired color can be formed on a molding. The mark is formed easily and inexpensively. A mark having an excellent wear resistance is formed. A mark having an excellent precision is easily formed on the surface of a molding having a complicated shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer donor element that includes a transfer layer comprising a fully or partially crosslinked material. The crosslinked transfer layer can be imagewise transferred from the donor element to a proximate receptor by imaging the donor element with radiation that can be absorbed and converted into heat by a light-to-heat converter included in the donor element. The heat generated during imaging is sufficient to effect transfer of the crosslinked transfer layer.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer donor element is provided that includes a thermal transfer layer and a light-to-heat conversion layer, wherein the light-to-heat conversion layer has at least two regions exhibiting different absorption coefficients. The thermal transfer donor elements provided can improve imaging performance by increasing transfer sensitivity and decreasing imaging defects.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder and a polymeric overcoat which contains spacer beads but which does not contain any image dye, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith to absorb at a given wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the image dye absorbing in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum of from about 300 to about 700 nm and not having substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor element is made by coating a support web, with a thermal insulating layer, and then overcoating with a coextensive ink repellent layer. The coextensive ink repellant layer comprises a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a colloid of an oxide or a hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth, a transition metal and combinations thereof. A photothermal conversion material is present in the ink repellent layer, in a stratum located between the thermal insulating layer and the ink repellent layer, or in both the ink repellent layer and the stratum. The ink repellant layer contains less than 5% hydrocarbon groups by weight.

Abstract: The method for positioning an array with periodic structures, for forming an image thereon, comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first beam of light by a first light source; (b) passing this first beam of light through the array; (c) forming a light line corresponding to the first light source with the first beam of light after the first beam of light passes through the array such that the light line is perpendicular to long axes of the periodic structures; (d) rotating the array to rotate the light line across a first detector; (e) producing a signal when the light line sweeps across the first detector; (f) determining when maximum signal is produced by the first detector; and (g) rotating the array to a proper position based on angular position corresponding to this maximum signal.

Abstract: A process of forming a halftone color proof containing at least one dye transfer image and at least one pigment transfer image, comprising imagewise-exposing, for less than about 10−4 sec., by means of a laser having a power density of greater than 104 W/cm2, a dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the laser exposure taking place through the side of the support of the dye-donor element which does not have the dye layer thereon, and transferring a portion of the dye in the dye layer to a receiving element having thereon an image-receiving layer; and imagewise-exposing, for less than about 10−4 sec.

Abstract: A laser donor element comprising a transparent support having thereon the following layers in the order recited: a) a hydrophilic layer; b) a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer being capable of forming a gas upon heating by the laser and an infrared-absorbing material, the propellant layer having been coated using a polar solvent having an Et value of between about 0.3 and 1.0; and c) a colorant transfer layer comprising a white pigment and an optical brightener dispersed in a binder.

Abstract: A colorant-donor element for laser thermal transfer comprising a support having thereon a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a binder the colorant layer having associated therewith an infrared-absorbing cyanine colorant having a sulfonic acid group, the cyanine colorant having the following formula: wherein: each W independently represents the atoms necessary to form an optional 6-membered aromatic ring; each X independently represents sulfur or C(CH3)2; each Y independently represents an alkylene group having from about 2 to about 5 carbon atoms; Z is chlorine or an alkylsulfonyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; and each R independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; and said colorant layer also containing a stabilizer comprising a phenoxy resin, a copolymer of vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate/maleic anhydride or a copolymer of styrene/4-vinylpyridine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising a substrate, at least one oriented polymer sheet adhered to said substrate and a binder layer between said at least one oriented polymer sheet and said substrate, wherein said binder layer comprises a binder polymer that has an energy to break of between 9.0×105 J/m3 and 3.5×107 J/m3.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lithographic printing plate which involves providing a plate precursor comprising a grained and anodized aluminium substrate coated with a metallic silver layer, imagewise exposing the precursor by means of a high intensity laser beam, and treating the plate by chemical and mechanical means in order to remove stains on the plate surface. On exposure of the plate precursor, removal of the metallic silver layer occurs in the exposed areas. The method provides press ready plates free of background stain, which give a clean, even appearance in exposed areas and show high image resolution and excellent durability on press, while eliminating the requirement for the use of intermediate film and developer chemistry.

Abstract: A method for positioning an array with periodic structures, for forming an image thereon, comprises the following steps: (i) producing a light beam along fast-scan axis; (ii) translating the array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fast-scan axis; (iii) detecting the light beam alternatively by a pair of detectors, the detectors being located near opposite edges of the array along the fast-scan axis; (iv) providing substantially periodic signals by the pair of detectors in accordance with their detection of the light beam; (v) determining relative phases of the periodic signals, the relative phases corresponding to misalignment of the array; (vi) sensing phases of the periodic signals and rotating the array such that the long axes of the periodic structures are substantially parallel to the fast-scan axis.

Abstract: A stable coating composition comprising an image dye, an infrared-absorbing dye, a polymeric binder, an organic solvent and a complexing agent having the following formula: wherein Y1 and Y2 each independently represents an alkyl or fluororalkyl group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group having from 6 to about 10 carbon atoms or a hetaryl group having from about 5 to about 10 atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated base for an imaging element comprising a paper having adhered to each side a biaxially oriented sheet of polyolefin polymer, wherein the top biaxially oriented sheet on the image side has incorporated therein a stabilizing amount of hindered amine light stabilizer.

Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by leaser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.

Abstract: A laser donor element comprising a transparent support having thereon the following layers in the order recited:a) a hydrophilic layer;b) a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer being capable of forming a gas upon heating by the laser and an infrared-absorbing material, the propellant layer having been coated using a polar solvent having an E.sub.t value of between about 0.3 and 1.0; andc) a colorant transfer layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a binder.