Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein an adhering amount of a rare-earth element atom to a surface thereof is 0.1 to 20 mg/mg2, and a presensitized plate provided with an image recording layer on the support for a lithographic printing plate. The presensitized plate achieving both high scum resistance and long press life can be realized, which is the same in the case the image recording layer containing an infrared absorbent, where scum would easily occur, is provided onto the support.

Abstract: A method for producing a photosensitive planographic printing plate may comprise (i) carrying out electrolysis to an aluminum support in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid or nitric acid so as to provide the aluminum support with a roughened surface; (ii) coating a photosensitive composition on the roughed surface of the aluminum support to obtain a photosensitive layer, the photosensitive composition containing: (A) a monomer having an ethylenic double bond which is also polymerizable; (B) a photoinitiator composition containing an iron arene complex compound; and (C) a polymer binder, (iii) drying the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: The first embodiment is a support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein the surface area ratios obtained from three-dimensional data by use of an atomic force microscope meets the following requirements (1-i) to (1-iii). The second embodiment is a support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein the aforementioned surface area ratios and a steepness meets the following requirements (2-i) to (2-ii). The third embodiment is a support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein the aforementioned surface area ratios meets the following requirements (4-i) to (4-iii). (1-i) a surface area ratio ?S50(50) is 20 to 90%, (1-ii) a surface area ratio ?S50(2-50) is 1 to 30%, and (1-iii) a surface area ratio ?S50(0.2-2) is 5 to 40%, (2-i) a surface area ratio ?S50(50) is 30 to 60%, and (2-ii) a steepness a4550(0.2-2) is 5 to 40%, (4-i) a surface area ratio ?S5(5) is 20 to 90%, (4-ii) a surface area ratio ?S5(0.2-5) is 5 to 40%, and (4-iii) A surface area ratio ?S5(0.02-0.2) is 15 to 70%.

Abstract: Substrates for lithographic printing plate precursors and lithographic printing plate precursors are disclosed. The substrates comprise an aluminum or aluminum alloy support and the a layer of interlayer material on the support. The interlayer material is a co-polymer that comprise (1) acid groups and/or phosphonic acid groups, and (2) silyl groups substituted with three alkoxy and/or phenoxy groups. The lithographic printing plate precursors additionally comprise an imageable layer over the interlayer.

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprises a photosensitive layer and a protective layer formed in this order on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a maximum peak of spectral sensitivity within a wavelength range ranging from 390 to 430 nm, the minimum exposure for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is at most 100 ?J/cm2, and the relation between the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 450 nm (S450) and the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is 0<S410/S450?0.1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a presensitized plate, comprising: an aluminum plate having an aluminum purity of not less than 99 wt %; and a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of said aluminum plate, wherein a fatigue fracture strength of the presensitized plate after a heat treatment at 300° C. for 7 minutes is not less than 75% of the fatigue fracture strength thereof before the heat treatment. The presensitized plate is excellent in efficiency and stability of a roughening treatment, and is capable of preventing generation of fatigue fracture of the lithographic printing plate during printing even if a burning treatment has been made on lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for a lithographic printing plate obtainable by performing at least graining treatment on an aluminum plate, having on its surface thereof, a grain shape with a structure in which a grained structure with medium undulation of 0.5 to 5 ?m average aperture diameter and a grained structure with small undulation of 0.01 to 0.2 ?m average aperture diameter are superimposed, and a presensitized plate provided with an image recording layer on the support for a lithographic printing plate. By using this presensitized plate, a balance between scum resistance and press life when a lithographic printing plate is produced therefrom, which has been in a trade-off relation in the past, can be maintained at a high level.

Abstract: A positive working thermal imaging assembly comprising: A) a substrate; and B) a thermally sensitive imaging element of a composite layer structure comprising: (I) a first layer on the substrate of a polymeric material soluble in aqueous alkali solution, optionally containing compounds that absorb and convert light to heat and/or a coloured dye or pigment; said first layer being converted at its surface by treatment with solutions at elevated temperatures that contain an active compound or compounds capable of rendering said first polymeric material less soluble in an aqueous alkali developer at the point of contact; the first layer being oleophilic; (ii) optionally, a first intermediate layer between the substrate and the said first layer with a second polymeric material which is soluble or dispersible in aqueous solution optionally containing compounds that absorb and convert light or radiation to heat and/or a coloured dye or pigment coated from a solvent that does not substantially dissolve the first laye

Abstract: A method for the production of a support for a lithographic printing plate precursor that comprises providing on a grained aluminum support having an anodic oxide film formed thereon a layer of inorganic compound particles having a major axis larger than a pore diameter of the anodic oxide film and treating the layer of inorganic compound particles with a treating solution capable of dissolving the inorganic compound particles, thereby fusing together the inorganic compound particles to form a layer of the inorganic compound.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate or on-press cylinder, has an imaging layer comprised of a thermally sensitive compound and a photothermal conversion material. The thermally sensitive compound comprises a heat-activatable bisulfite adduct and can be a polymer or a small molecule compound. In the imaging member, the thermally sensitive compound reacts to provide increased hydrophobicity in areas exposed to energy that provides or generates heat. The imaging layer is considered “switchable” and can be used to provide a lithographic printing image without traditional alkaline wet processing.

Abstract: A thermal negative type presensitized plate provided with an image recording layer hardened by infrared rays on an aluminum support, wherein the aluminum support has on the surface thereof, a grain shape with a structure in which a grained structure with medium undulation with a specified aperture diameter and a grained structure with small undulation with a specified aperture diameter are superimposed. For the presensitized plate, contact characteristics between the image recording layer and the support and scum resistance on a non-image area are kept compatible with each other at a high level, a thermal diffusion depression effect by which an energy generated by exposure can be efficiently used to form an image is excellent, and sensitivity is high.

Abstract: An improved digitally imageable relief printing element having an increased direct-cure imaging speed upon exposure to lasers and other digital sources of actinic radiation. The printing elements of the invention comprise a reflective layer beneath a photosensitive resin layer so that instead of being absorbed by the reflective layer, photons of actinic radiation are reflected back up into the photosensitive layer, thereby speeding up the curing rate of the printing element.

Abstract: A presensitized lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer. The image-forming layer contains microcapsules and a hydrophilic compound. The microcapsules are dispersed in the image forming layer. The hydrophilic compound is arranged outside of the microcapsules. The microcapsules comprise a core and a shell. The core comprises a polymerizable compound. The shell comprises a polymer. The polymer of the shell has adherence to a surface of the hydrophilic support.

Abstract: The invention is a directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor comprising: at least a heat insulating layer, a heat sensitive layer, and an ink repellent layer that are provided in that order on a substrate, wherein a transmittance of the heat insulating layer for a light having a wavelength within a range of 400 to 650 nm is at most 15% over the entire range of the wavelength. The invention provides a directly imageable waterless planographic printing plate precursor that allows measurement of the dot area ratio on the printing plate with a densitometer or the like.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, which comprises an image-forming layer which contains a hydrophilic resin, an acid precursor and at least one component selected from fine particles containing a compound having a vinyloxy group and microcapsules containing a compound having a vinyloxy group, on a hydrophilic support, which can be development processed on a printing machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally sensitive composition that may be coated as a water-borne material onto a substrate to yield a printing plate precursor having an imageable coating. The thermally sensitive composition comprises a sulfated phenolic resin. The sulfated phenolic resin may be a sulfated novolak resin or a sulfated resole resin, for example. The thermally sensitive composition may include a water-soluble binder, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and a radiation-absorbing component. The invention also provides a printing plate precursor that is developed in water after imaging. The precursor does not require chemical development with a developing solution containing organic solvents or inorganic additives. The imaged precursor is on-press-developable when used with a fountain solution. Methods for making and using the precursor are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified pigment products comprising a pigment having attached at least one organic group represented by the formula —X-Sp-Alk, wherein X, which is directly attached to the pigment, represents an arylene, heteroarylene, or alkylene group, Sp represents a spacer group, and Alk represents an alkenyl or alkyl group containing 50-200 carbon atoms. The use of these modified pigment products in non-aqueous dispersion compositions and in several applications, including printing plates, electrophoretic displays, liquid crystal displays, and ink, coating, toner, and polymer compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminum substrate, an image-recording layer and a hydrophilic film, the aluminum substrate being subjected to an electrochemical surface-roughening treatment in an aqueous solution comprising hydrochloric acid and provided with the hydrophilic film having a heat conductivity of 0.05 to 0.5 W/mK and/or at least one of a density of 1,000 to 3,200 kg/m3 and a porosity of 20 to 70%; and a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminum substrate, an image-recording layer and a hydrophilic film, the aluminum substrate having a surface-roughened shape comprising a small pit wherein an average opening size of the small pit is 0.01 to 3 ?m and a ratio of an average depth of the small pit to the average opening size is 0.1 to 0.5, and being provided with the hydrophilic film having a heat conductivity of 0.05 to 0.5 W/mK and/or at least one of a density of 1,000 to 3,200 kg/m3 and a porosity of 20 to 70%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processless printing plate precursor including a thermally sensitive layer applied onto a substrate. The thermally sensitive layer includes polycyanoacrylate particles having a major dimension between about 50 and about 500 nm, and a mean major dimension of no greater than about 350 nm. The printing plate precursor may be exposed to radiation and may then be developed “on press” with a suitable fountain solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing plate material comprising a substrate and a component layer provided thereon, the substrate having a center line average surface roughness Ra of from 0.2 to 1.0 ?m, and an oil-retention volume A2 of from 1 to 10, wherein the center line average surface roughness Ra is obtained from three dimension surface roughness measurement according to JIS-B-0601, and wherein an image is capable of being recorded on the component layer by imagewise exposure of infrared laser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording material having a dimensionally stable, two-dimensional support, preferably an aluminium support, and a negative-working, radiation-sensitive layer which comprises a diazonium salt, a polymeric binder and a sulphobetaine. In addition, the layer may also comprise a polymerizable monomer or oligomer and a photopolymerization initiator. The front of the recording material may be matted or pigmented, and the back may be coated with an organic polymeric material. The sulphobetaine improves the solubility of the diazonium salts in aqueous-alkaline developers without reducing the resistance of the offset printing plates produced from the recording material.

Abstract: The positive planographic printing plate precursor of the present invention is a precursor comprising (I) a positive recording layer including a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble polymer compound and a light to heat converting agent, on a support having a hydrophilic surface in which a hydrophilic graft polymer chain is present. The precursor may further comprise (II) a lower layer including a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble polymer compound between the recording layer and the support.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, which comprises an image-forming layer which contains a hydrophilic resin, an acid precursor and at least one component selected from fine particles containing a compound having a vinyloxy group and microcapsules containing a compound having a vinyloxy group, on a hydrophilic support, which can be development processed on a printing machine.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, comprising a metal support having formed thereon an anodic oxide film, and an image-forming layer containing a light-to-heat converting agent, or a light-sensitive layer capable of image-forming with infrared laser exposure provided in this order from the support.

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: A negative working photosensitive lithographic printing plate is disclosed, which comprises a support having thereon at least one photosensitive layer containing a polymeric binder having repeating units represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a hydrocarbon group which has an alicyclic structure and has 3 to 30 carbon atoms and a valence of n+1; A represents an oxygen atom or —NR3—, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer of 1 to 5. The negative working photosensitive lithographic printing plate can attain both high productivity and high printing durability. It is especially suitable for drawing with laser light.

Abstract: A positive heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising an anodically oxidized aluminum support having laminated thereon an undercoating layer containing a polymer having a constituent having an acid radical and a constituent having an onium group, an interlayer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, and a heat-sensitive layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and an infrared-absorbing dye in this order from the support, and the solubility of the heat-sensitive layer in an alkali aqueous solution increases by heating.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a photopolymerisable mixture comprising a polymer binder, a radically photopolymerisable component containing at least one photooxidisable group, a polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate containing 2 or more ethylene glycol units, a photoreducible dye and a metallocene. This mixture can be used for preparing high-speed light-sensitive recording materials showing a particularly high resolution, especially for small negative types.

Abstract: A plate-making method of a lithographic printing plate comprising exposing imagewise a photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprising an aluminum support and a photosensitive layer comprising a photosensitive composition of photopolymerization type, which contains a compound having a nitrogen atom and an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, a photopolymerization initiator and a polymer binder, and developing the exposed printing plate with a developing solution containing (1) an inorganic alkali agent and (2) a nonionic surface active agent having a polyoxyalkylene ether group.

Abstract: Disclosed is planographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having disposed thereon an image forming layer containing a fluorine macromolecular compound having a structural unit derived from a monomer represented by the following general formula (I). In the general formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a cyano group or a halogen atom. X represents a single bond or a divalent connecting group. R1 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a fluorine atom or an alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom. Further, at least one of R1 to R6 represents a fluorine atom or an alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate which comprises imagewise exposing to light a presensitized plate useful for making a lithographic printing plate having an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer on an aluminum substrate in this order and developing the imagewise exposed plate with a developer, wherein said intermediate layer comprises a polymer compound comprising at least a structure unit having an acid group and a structure unit having an onium group and said developer comprises an inorganic alkali salt and a nonionic surfactant having polyoxyalkylene ether group and pH of the developer ranges from 11.0 to 12.7. The method provides a lithographic printing plate, which shows good contrast between an image area and non-image area, no background contamination during printing, good stability with time and good printing durability.

Abstract: Various imaging members including lithographic imaging members (such as printing plates) have an aqueous-based imaging layer applied to a support. Directly over the imaging layer is a protective layer that is applied as a non-aqueous inverse emulsion comprising highly hydrophilic, water-swellable microgel particles dispersed in a water-immiscible organic solvent. This protective layer provides physical durability but it is still readily removed during or after imaging with water or fountain solutions.

Abstract: Various imaging members including lithographic imaging members can be prepared by applying to a support, an aqueous formulation comprising one or more imaging components to form an imaging layer. Over the imaging layer is directly applied a non-aqueous inverse emulsion comprising highly hydrophilic, water-swellable microgel particles dispersed in a water-immiscible organic solvent to form a protective layer. This protective layer provides physical durability but it is still readily removed during or after imaging with water or fountain solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a presensitized plate useful for making a lithographic printing plate comprising an intermediate layer and a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer on an aluminum substrate in this order, wherein the roughness of a surface of said aluminum substrate (Ra) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.55 &mgr;m and the intermediate layer comprises a polymer compound comprising at least one monomer unit having a sulfonic acid group and a method for making a lithographic printing plate by imagewise exposing the presensitized plate described above and developing the imagewise exposed presensitized plate with a developer comprising an inorganic alkali salt and a nonionic surfactant comprising a polyoxyalkylene ether group. The presensitized plate or the method of the present invention provides a lithographic printing plate showing good contrast between an image area and non-image area, no background contamination during printing, good stability with time and good printing durability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for a lithographic printing plate obtained by subjecting an aluminum plate to a graining treatment and an anodizing treatment, the support comprising at least any one of Mn in a range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt % and Mg in a range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt %; Fe of 0 to 1 wt %; Si of 0 to 0.5 wt %; Cu of 0 to 0.2 wt %; at least one kind of element out of the elements listed in items (a) to (d) below in a range of content affixed thereto, (a) 1 to 100 ppm each of one or more kinds of elements selected from a group consisting of Li, Be, Sc, Mo, Ag, Ge, Ce, Nd, Dy and Au, (b) 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a presensitized plate, having an anodized layer and recording layer provided on a support for a lithographic printing plate, wherein the anodized layer is provided by subjecting an aluminum plate to graining and anodizing treatments. The presensitized plate has wide development latitude, makes it difficult for scratch-like non-image portions to be generated and facilitates handling in usual operation.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: an aluminum support; an interlayer; and a photosensitive layer in this order, wherein the aluminum support is surface-roughened and has an anodic oxide coating, the interlayer comprises a compound comprising a di- or more valent metal element, and the photosensitive layer comprises an infrared absorbent, a radical generator and a radical polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A support for a lithographic printing plate is obtained by performing graining treatment including electrochemical graining treatment on an aluminum plate, wherein the aforementioned aluminum plate contains Fe of 0.05 to 0.29 wt %, Si of 0.03 to 0.15 wt %, Cu of 0.020 to 0.050 wt % and Ti of 0.05 wt % or less and the remaining portion of the aluminum plate is composed of aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The support and a presensitized plate obtained by an image recording layer on the support are excellent in all of sensitivity, cleaner press life, scum resistance and press life when the printing plate is prepared from the support and the presensitized plate.

Abstract: Making a high absorption donor substrate for providing one or more OLED materials to an OLED device by: providing an absorber anti-reflection layer over a transparent support element, the anti-reflection layer having the real portion of its index of refraction greater than 3.0, and a thickness near the first reflectivity minimum at the wavelength of interest; providing a metallic heat-absorbing layer over the anti-reflection layer for absorbing laser light which passes through the transparent support element and the anti-reflection layer; and selecting the transparent support element, the anti-reflection layer, and the metallic heat-absorbing layer to have an average reflectivity of less than 10%, and the micro reflectivity variation due to variations in the thickness of the transparent support element of less than 10% at the wavelength of interest; and providing one or more organic material layers in the absence of a binder material, over the metallic heat-absorbing layer.

Abstract: A negative-working heat-sensitive material for making a lithographic printing plate by direct-to-plate recording is disclosed. The material comprises in the order given a lithographic base having a hydrophilic surface, an oleophilic imaging layer and a cross-linked hydrophilic upper layer which comprises an organic compound derived from sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or phosphonic acid. Materials according to the invention are characterized by an increased water-acceptance in the non-printing areas, which allows a rapid start-up of the press.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet product having a substrate with a roll textured surface covered by a pretreatment layer. The pretreatment layer enhances adhesion of a printing composition to the sheet product and is composed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers of acrylic acid, polymers of methacrylic acid, an organophosphorous polymer and copolymers of an organophosphorous compound and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Dopant particles of alumina, silica, titanium dioxide or a black dye or pigment may be added to the pretreatment layer to reduce the gloss and reflectance of the pretreatment layer in a printing process. Etching of the substrate also reduces gloss and reflectance.

Abstract: The support for a lithographic printing plate obtained by performing graining treatment including electrochemical graining treatment on an aluminum plate, the aluminum plate is an aluminum plate which contains Fe of 0.02 to 0.29 wt %, Si of 0.03 to 0.15 wt %, Cu of 0.020 to 0.040 wt % and Ti of 0.050 wt % or less and whose remaining portion is composed of Al and unavoidable impurities. In addition, the support for a lithographic printing plate where surface area ratio and steepness obtained from three-dimensional data found with an atomic force microscope (AFM) each satisfies the specified conditions is excellent in printing performance (press life, scum resistance, sensitivity and cleaner press life or the like) and handling property (scratch resistance, fatigue fracture strength or the like) when the lithographic printing plate is prepared.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an image forming layer containing at least one polymer compound having a fluoroaliphatic group on the side chain, wherein the fluoroaliphatic group is derived from a fluoroaliphatic compound produced by a telomerization or oligomerization method.

Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic printing for precursor having an imagable coating on an aluminum support, wherein the imagable coating comprises a polymeric substance comprising colorant groups, and wherein the aluminum support on which the coating is provided is anodized but not subsequently modified by means of a post-anodic treatment compound, and the coating does not comprise a colorant dye. The polymeric substance may also comprise pendent infra-red or developer dissolution inhibiting groups, and these groups may also be the colorant groups themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to Positive working thermal imaging assembly comprising: A) a substrate; and B) a thermally sensitive imaging element of a composite layer structure comprising: (i) a first layer on the substrate of a polymeric material soluble in aqueous alkali solution, optionally containing compounds that absorb and convert light to heat and/or a coloured dye or pigment; said first layer being converted at its surface by treatment with solutions at elevated temperatures that contain an active compound or compounds capable of rendering said first polymeric material insoluble to aqueous alkali developer at the point of contact ; the first layer being oleophilic; (ii) optionally, a first intermediate layer between the substrate and the said first layer with a second polymeric material which is soluble or dispersible in aqueous solution optionally containing compounds that absorb and convert light or radiation to heat and/or a coloured dye or pigment coated from a solvent that does not substantially disso

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprises a photosensitive layer and a protective layer formed in this order on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a maximum peak of spectral sensitivity within a wavelength range ranging from 390 to 430 nm, the minimum exposure for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is at most 100 &mgr;J/cm2, and the relation between the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 450 nm (S450) and the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is 0<S410/S450≦0.1.

Abstract: Methods for forming images are disclosed. The images are formed by imaging and developing an imageable element comprising a layer of an imageable composition over a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithographic method for producing microcomponents with component structures in the submillimeter range. According to the inventive method, a structured adhesive layer is applied to a metal layer and then a photostructured epoxy resin layer is applied to said adhesive layer. Said epoxide resin is structured by means of selective exposition and removing the unexposed zones and filling in the gaps between the resin structures with metal by electroplating. The aim of the invention is to provide an adhesive layer that is suitable for photostructured epoxy resins, especially for SU-8 resist material and that prevents the resist material from being detached. To this end, the adhesive layer consists of polyimide or a polyimide mixture.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a support having disposed thereon a recording layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, a development inhibitor and an infrared absorber and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure. The recording layer may have either a mono-layer construction or a multi-layer construction containing a lower layer and an upper layer. In the case of the multi-layer construction, a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin is used as the lower layer, and a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and the development inhibitor and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure is used as the upper layer, and at least one of the lower layer and the upper layer contains the infrared absorber.