Abstract: A process of forming a single color, dye ablation image having an improved D-min comprising imagewise-heating by means of a laser, a dye-ablative recording element comprising a transparent support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, 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 being substantially transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and absorbs in the region of from about 300 to about 700 nm and does not have any substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the laser exposure taking place through the dye side of the element, and removing the ablated image dye material to obtain the image in the dye-ablative recording element, wherein the element contains a substantially transparent, hydrophilic, organic or inorganic polymeric dye barrier layer between the support and the dye layer.

Abstract: Laser-addressable thermal transfer donor elements for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The thermal transfer donor elements include a substrate with a gas-producing polymer layer thereon, and an array of discrete nanostructured elements embedded within the gas-producing polymer layer. The gas-producing polymer layer has a thermally available nitrogen content of greater than about 10 weight percent. Each of the nanostructured elements includes an elongated structure conformally coated with a radiation absorbing material. A thermal mass transfer material (e.g., a metal or colorant such as a dye or pigment) is included in or over the gas-producing polymer layer.

Abstract: Described is an optical recording medium having a mixture or integrated layers of a metal and an oxide which react with each other under an exothermic reaction at a high temperature upon receiving an irradiation of a laser. The metal and the oxide are in a relation that the oxide has a standard enthalpy of formation higher than that of the oxide obtained by oxidizing the metal. An area irradiated with a laser spot is heated to a high temperature and the oxide at the area is reduced by the metal into a metal which changes in the optical constant and can be detected optically. The reduction reaction in an exothermic reaction generates a thermal energy in addition to the thermal energy of the irradiated laser. The optical recording medium of this structure can make the recording work more efficient. A manufacturing method of the optical recording medium and a recording method using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon an interlayer containing an inorganic hydrate salt, the interlayer being overcoated with a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, and the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat mode recording material comprising on the same side of a non-conductive support a conductive recording layer and an elastomeric image forming layer being non-conductive characterised in that a peelable polymeric film is provided as an outermost layer on the side of said support containing said elastomeric image forming layer.

Abstract: A thermographic dye transfer image-recording material is provided wherein a particular silver salt complex is employed as a source of silver ions, made available upon imagewise heating, to cleave a dye-providing material to provide a diffusible dye in an imagewise pattern corresponding to said imagewise heating. The silver salt complexes have improved solubility in the system providing for enhanced transferred image density.

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 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 is substantially transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and absorbs in the region of from about 300 to about 700 nm and does not have substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element.

Abstract: A novel imaging process is disclosed comprising preparing microcapsules having an elongation of less than 1%, adhering the microcapsules to a substrate then imagewise rupturing certain of said microcapsules upon selective application of a thermal energy input comprising a .DELTA.T of at least 115.degree. C. per 1 millisecond. The process makes use of novel microcapsules polymerized at a temperature of from 65.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. which are heat resistant yet heat fracturable upon application of a thermal pulse.

Abstract: Thermally processable imaging elements in which the image is formed by imagewise heating or by imagewise exposure to light followed by uniform heating include an adhesive interlayer interposed between the imaging layer and a protective overcoat layer. The adhesive interlayer, which is comprised of a polymer having epoxy functionality, strongly bonds the overcoat layer to the imaging layer.

Abstract: Thermally processable imaging elements in which the image is formed by imagewise heating or by imagewise exposure to light followed by uniform heating include an adhesive interlayer interposed between the imaging layer and a protective overcoat layer. The adhesive interlayer, which is comprised of a polyalkoxysilane, strongly bonds the overcoat layer to the imaging layer.

Abstract: There are disclosed color-providing compounds comprising two or more cyclic 1,3 sulfur-nitrogen groups and two or more color-providing moieties, i.e., complete dyes or dye intermediates, capable of releasing the color-forming moieties upon cleavage in the presence of silver ions or a soluble silver complex. The color-providing compounds are useful as image-forming materials in color photographic processes.

Abstract: There are disclosed thermally-processable image recording materials comprising a support carrying thereon; a di- or triarylmethane thiolactone dye, an organic silver salt, a binder; and a select group of substituted purine compounds for reducing a post-processed formation of a yellowish-brown color (gilding) within such materials.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material for laser recording is provided including a support having thereon a heat-sensitive layer including at least a first substantially colorless coloring component, a second substantially colorless coloring component which reacts with the first substantially colorless coloring component to develop a color, and an infrared-absorbing dye.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a novel compound suited for use as a thermochromic and photochromic material.The invention relates to an indolinospirobenzopyran derivative of the general formula ##STR1## [wherein R.sup.1 stands for C.sub.1-20 alkyl, aralkyl, methacryloxymethyl or methacryloxyethyl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 may for example be hydrogen; R.sup.8 may for example be hydrogen or methacryloxymethyl; Y may for example be oxygen or sulfur] and a process for producing the derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat mode recording material comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface or being provided with a hydrophilic layer, a metallic layer and on top thereof a hydrophobic layer having a thickness of less than 50 nm and there is further provided a method for making a lithographic plate therewith.

Abstract: A laser-induced melt transfer process is described in which a melt viscosity modifier is used to facilitate the melt transfer process.

Abstract: A process of forming a single color, dye ablation image having an improved D-min comprising imagewise-heating by means of a laser, in the absence of a separate receiving element, a dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, 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 being substantially transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and absorbs in the region of from about 300 to about 700 nm and does not have any substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the laser exposure taking place through the dye side of the element, and removing the ablated image dye material to obtain an image in the dye-ablative recording element, wherein the infrared-absorbing material is a cyanine dye having a perfluorinated organic counterion.

Abstract: A laser-induced melt transfer process is described which utilizes a melt viscosity modifier and in which a post-transfer treatment is used to substantially eliminate back-transfer.

Abstract: Thermally processable imaging elements in which the image is formed by imagewise heating or by imagewise exposure to light followed by uniform heating include an adhesive interlayer interposed between the imaging layer and a protective overcoat layer. The adhesive interlayer, which is comprised of a polymer having pyrrolidone functionality, strongly bonds the overcoat layer to the imaging layer.

Abstract: A thermally imageable laminar composite comprising a pair of opposed sheets confining therebetween a frangible layer of image-forming substance partitionable to the respective sheets on separation of the sheets after thermal imaging is protected against premature stress-induced delamination by the heat bonding of the opposed sheets to one another through said image-forming substance at the periphery of said composite, said bonding being at a strength substantially greater than that required to separate said sheets in the expansive thermally imageable region confined by said periphery. A method for preparing individual units of an imageable composite, including the steps of establishing a band-like heated zone in a supply web of laminate, corresponding to the boundaries of a unit to be cut therefrom, and cutting a unit from within said band-like zone is described.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a dye in association with a thermal dye-bleaching agent of general formula I: ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sup.a and R.sup.b are individually selected from: hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and preferably, both R.sup.a and R.sup.b represent hydrogen;p is one or two, and when p is one, Z is a monovalent group selected from: an akyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and when p is two, Z is a divalent group selected from: an alkylene group, an arylene group, an alkenylene group, an alkynylene group, an aralkylene group, a cycloalkene group, and a heterocyclic group; and,M.sup.+ is a cation which will not react with a carbanion generated from the thermal-carbanion-generating agent in such manner as to render the carbanion ineffective as a bleaching agent for the dye.

Abstract: A thermal imaging process comprising the step of imagewise heating a donor element so as to transfer therefrom colored matter onto a contacting receptor element, characterized in that before said imagewise heating said receptor element contains in a layer at least one substance that by heat applied in the transfer of said colored matter undergoes a change giving rise to an increase in optical density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat mode recording material comprising on the same side of a non-conductive support a conductive recording layer and an elastomeric image forming layer being non-conductive characterised in that a peelable polymeric film is provided as an outermost layer on the side of said support containing said elastomeric image forming layer.

Abstract: An X-Ray sensitive composition including one or several photopolymerizable monomer or photocrosslinkable polymer systems and thermochromic substances which can be used in a dry X-Ray reproduction process. The process is based on the different dielectric constants and dielectric losses exhibited by a monomer and the corresponding polymer or a polymer and the crosslinked polymer and the reaction of certain thermochromic substances which exhibits a specific threshold temperature above which these substances change from a colorless form to a color stable form. The X-Ray sensitive element is exposed according to a pattern of X-Ray with spatial modulation providing an X-Ray image to form a latent image of polymerized or crosslinked zones and unpolymerized or non crosslinked zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat recording material comprising on a support in the order given a porous layer of an image forming substance, a substance capable of converting radiation into heat, a thermoplastic layer containing a photocurable composition and a stripping layer. The present invention further provides a method for obtaining an image with such an heat recording material. Images of high quality and good wear and scratch resistance are obtained.

Abstract: A novel record material is disclosed comprising a substrate bearing microcapsules having nonmeltable walls. The microcapsules contain a chromogen or developer and a photosensitive composition internal thereof, said microcapsules undergoing a change in viscosity upon exposure to actinic radiation. The walls of the microcapsules have an elongation of not more than 1%, and the record material is resistant to heat, measured by not producing any substantial color when placed in a 150.degree. C. oven for one minute. Surprisingly, the record material however is capable of forming a color upon application to the record material of a point source energy input comprising a .DELTA.T of at least 115.degree. C. per one millisecond.

Abstract: A process of forming a single color, dye ablation image having an improved D-min comprising imagewise-heating by means of a laser, a dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the laser exposure taking place through the dye side of the element, and removing the ablated image dye material to obtain an image in the dye-ablative recording element, wherein the polymeric binder has a polystyrene equivalent molecular weight of at least 100,000 as measured by size exclusion chromatography.

Abstract: Photothermographic and thermographic diffusion transfer image-recording materials are provided wherein an auxiliary ligand for silver ions is employed to enhance transfer image density and discrimination.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a substrate by applying to the substrate a film which is chemically activated by heat, and scanning the film by a beam of radiation according to the image to be printed, to chemically activate the film by heat and thereby to produce a pattern in the film according to the image scanned. The film includes a reagent capable of undergoing a redox reaction when heated in the presence of another reagent present with the film when scanned by the beam, to produce the redox reaction between the two reagents.

Abstract: Laser-addressable thermal transfer donor elements for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The thermal transfer donor elements include a substrate having a microstructured surface. The microstructured surface contain a plurality of randomly positioned discrete protuberances of varying heights and shapes. The donor elements further include a black metal layer on the microstructured surface and a gas-producing polymer layer over the black metal layer. The gas-producing polymer in the gas-producing polymer layer has a thermally available nitrogen content of greater than about 10 weight percent. A thermal mass transfer material (e.g., a colorant such as a dye or pigment) is included in or over the gas-producing polymer layer.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer, said dye-donor element comprising a support provided with a dye layer containing a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, characterized in that said dye corresponds to the following formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently represent hydrogen, halogen, nitro, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a alkylthio group, a arylthio group, an acylamino group, a sulfamoyl group, a carbamoyl group, which groups may be substituted, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together can form a saturated or aromatic or heterocyclic ring fused-on the cyclohexadiene ring, which ring may be substituted;B represents ##STR2## wherein R.sup.4 -R.sup.11 are defined in the specification; K represents ##STR3## wherein: R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 (independently) represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, which groups may be substituted, or R.sup.12 and R.sup.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to a laser-induced thermal dye transfer, said dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer and an infrared-absorbing dye which is different from the dye in the dye-layer, characterized in that said infrared-absorbing dye is a 2-carbazoyl-4-[N-(o,o'-disubstituted, p-substituted aminoaryl)imino]-1,4-quinone or a 2-hydroxaminocarbonyl-4-[N-(o,o'-disubstituted,p-substituted aminoaryl)imino]1,4-quinone.

Abstract: A printing material comprises a shaped structure made of a combustible material and an oxidizing agent, or a self-combustible material having an oxidizing agent contained therein, or a mixture of a self-combustible material and a combustible material. The printing material is formed with pits by application of a laser beam with small output power. The printing material may further comprise a light absorber in order to promote absorption of the laser beam in the printing material.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprising at least one magenta dye having extremely low side absorption in the blue and red regions of the spectrum, said dye corresponding to the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, (cyclo)alkyl, or aryl; X represents the atoms completing a heterocycle; Z is an electron-withdrawing group; Y is an electron-withdrawing group or --N(R.sup.2)R.sup.3 ; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent the atoms completing a heterocycle; or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent .dbd.C(R.sup.4)R.sup.5, or each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represents (same or different) (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, or an electron-withdrawing group; each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 (same or different) represents H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, a heterocycle, SO.sub.2 R.sup.6, COR.sup.6, CSR.sup.6, POR.sup.6 R.sup.7, OR.sup.8, NR.sup.8 R.sup.9, SR.sup.8, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent the atoms completing an aliphatic ring or a heterocycle, each of R.sup.6 and R.sup.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a dye in association with a thermal dye-bleaching agent of general formula I: ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sup.a and R.sup.b are individually selected from: hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and preferably, both R.sup.a and R.sup.b represent hydrogen;p is one or two, and when p is one, Z is a monovalent group selected from: an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group, and when p is two, Z is a divalent group selected from: an alkylene group, an arylene group, an alkenylene group, an alkynylene group, an aralkylene group, a cycloalkene group, and a heterocyclic group; and,M.sup.+ is cation which will not react with acarbanion generated from the thermal-carbanion-generating agent in such manner as to render the carbanion ineffective as a bleaching agent for the dye.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye transfer comprising at least one dye corresponding to the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z is --CN, --COOR.sup.1 or --CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3 ; R.sup.1 is --H, (cyclo) alkyl, or aryl; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is --H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a heterocyclic nucleus; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is --H, (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, a heterocyclic ring, SO.sub.2 R.sup.8, COR.sup.8, CSR.sup.8, POR.sup.8 R.sup.9, OR.sup.6, NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, SR.sup.6, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a aliphatic ring, a heterocyclic ring including a heterocyclic ring carrying a fused-on aliphatic or aromatic ring; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is (cyclo)alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, aralkyl, aryl, a heterocyclic group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together represent the atoms necessary to complete a 5- or 6-membered ring; R.sup.8 and R.sup.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a polymethine dye having a nucleus of general formula I: ##STR1## in association with a thermal-carbanion-generating agent having the general formula: ##STR2## wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and claims.

Abstract: An information recording medium comprises a recording layer including a mixture of organic polysilane and oxo metallic phthalocyanine pigment. Information is recorded by adding heat or light to the recording layer. In a method for recording information onto the information recording medium, a decoloring reaction of oxo metallic phthalocyanine pigment is used which is caused by heating the recording layer to a temperature equal to or higher than a pyrolyzing point of organic polysilane.

Abstract: The invention involves a bleachable antihalation system, particularly for use in thermally developable photographic recording materials. This antihalation system contains, besides an antihalation dye, a bleaching agent that forms sulfurous acid or sulfurous acid derivatives on treatment with heat or irradiation with actinic radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laser imageable donor material that is capable of transferring pigment to a receiver, such as plain paper, polymeric film, metal and the like. The donor material is composed of at least a transparent film, an overlying layer of vapor coated black aluminum, and a dye coating or pigment coating dispersed on top of the black aluminum. A material which generates gas when irradiated may also be present as a separate layer under or in the dye or pigment layer and above the black aluminum layer. The construction can be addressed with diode lasers and diode-pumped solid state lasers.The invention can be used to produce large format digital halftone color proofs using high power air-cooled diode-pumped Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF lasers. Other materials could be transferred from the donor sheet in this process as well as the colorant (dye or pigment) layer.

Abstract: A diazo heat-sensitive recording material which comprises a support having thereon a heat-sensitive recording layer comprising a diazo compound, a coupling component, a basic substance, and a binder; wherein the coupling component is an acylacetanilide represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl; R.sub.2 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aralkyl; R.sub.3 is substituted of unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aralkyloxy, alkylthio, or aralkylthio, substituted amino, or halogeno; the total number of carbon atoms in R.sub.2 and (R.sub.3).sub.n is 5 or more; n is zero or an integer of from 1 to 4; and the R.sub.3 's may be the same or different when n is 2 or more, which is useful for forming a yellow color image and providing a developed color image with higher light-fastness, less soiling of a non-image area, and improved uniformity in color-developing layer due to the use of a more oil-soluble coupling component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data is provided incorporating an amorphous solid having covalent bonds and a first index of refraction and an energy source for thermally heating selected areas of the amorphous solid to change the index of refraction without melting or substantially crystallizing the amorphous solid. The invention overcomes the problem of corrosion, moisture, or microbial attack resulting in deterioration of the storage medium over time, i.e., 100 years.

Abstract: Laser-addressable thermal transfer materials for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The materials contain a substrate coated thereon with a propellant layer wherein the propellant layer contains a material capable of producing nitrogen (N.sub.2) gas at a temperature of preferably less than about 300.degree. C.; a radiation absorber; and a thermal mass transfer material. The thermal mass transfer material may be incorporated into the propellant layer or in an additional layer coated onto the propellant layer. The radiation absorber may be employed in one of the above-disclosed layers or in a separate layer in order to achieve localized heating with an electromagnetic energy source, such as a laser. Upon laser induced heating, the transfer material is propelled to the receptor by the rapid expansion of gas.

Abstract: An optical recording medium capable of recording, rewriting and erasing information utilizing changes in optical properties is disclosed, which comprises a substrate having thereon a layer of a recording material that changes reversibly in optical properties thereof upon irradiation with light or application of heat, wherein the recording material consists essentially of at least one element of Group Vb of the periodic table selected from the group consisting of As, Sb, and Bi and at least one element of Group VIb of the periodic table selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te; and has a composition corresponding to that of a mixture of at least two stoichiometric compounds represented by the chemical formula Vb-hd 2Vib.sub.3 ; and contains at least one of Se and Te.

Abstract: An image recording device which permits repeated thermoreversible recording and erasure of an image, which is useful for creating an image for storage, display or printing of the image or other information. The recording device has a display medium, a recording means to form an image on the display medium, and an erasure means to erase the image formed on the medium. The display medium of the image recording device may have a support member with a recording layer provided on the support member. The display medium has a transparency which is dependent upon its thermal history, and consists essentially of a matrix material of a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, and a saturated carboxylic acid of 10 to 24 carbon atoms. The weight ratio of the matrix material to saturated carboxylic acid in the display medium is from 1:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermally-transferred color filter array element comprising a transparent support having thereon a thermally-transferred image comprising a repeating mosaic pattern of colorants in a polyimide binder having a Tg greater than about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A thermal-dye-bleach construction comprising a thermal nucleophile-generating agent in association with a styryl dye having a nucleus of general formula (I): ##STR1## representing the nucleus of a styryl dye in which R=methyl or ethyl groupY=alkoxy of 1 to 20 carbon atomsm=1 or 2,n=1, 2, or 3, andx.sup..crclbar. =an anionThe aromatic fused benzene portion of the indolenine ring may be further substituted with commonly acceptable dye substituents such as alkyl and substituted alkyl (of 1 to 10 carbon atoms) groups, alkoxy groups (preferably of 1 to 10 carbon atoms), fused aromatic rings (as to make the benzene ring a fused naphthalene ring), halogen (including fluoro), cyano, nitro, carboxamido, amido, etc. One or two substituents chosen variously from said group may also be present on the phenyl ring to which the alkoxy group is attached.

Abstract: A unique method/system for simultaneously creating and transferring a contrasting pattern of intelligence on and from a composite ablation-transfer imaging medium to a receptor element in contiguous registration therewith is improvedly radiation sensitive and versatile, is kinetically rapid and not dependent on a sensitized ablative topcoat, and is well adopted for such applications as, e.g.

Abstract: A novel light-sensitive heat-sensitive composition is disclosed, comprising a photohardenable composition, a dye which discolors upon reacting with a base, and a base precursor. A novel light-sensitive heat-sensitive recording material is also disclosed, comprising a support having provided thereon the above described light-sensitive heat-sensitive composition. In a preferred embodiment, the dye is a spectral sensitizing dye for the photohardenable composition. Furthermore, a novel image formation process is disclosed, comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing the light-sensitive heat-sensitive recording material to light to cure the exposed portions of the recording material; and (b) uniformly heating the imagewise exposed recording material to discolor the dye in the unexposed portions thereof.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording composition comprising agglomerates which comprise an aromatic isocyanate compound, an imino compound and a sensitizer and have an average diameter of 2-30 .mu.m; and a process for producing the composition are disclosed. This heat-sensitive recording composition is excellent in heat response and high in sensitivity. From the point of image stability, the agglomerates are preferably contained in microcapsules together with a polymer.