Abstract: A mono- or multi- layer recording member, suitable for recording using e.g., a laser, comprising a support having a recording layer thereon wherein the recording layer contains (a) a metal selected from the group consisting of Sn, Bi and In and (b) a halide capable of being thermally or photo-chemically activated by high energy density light irradiation and which thereby can promote a thermally initiated phase or structure change of the metal (a).

Abstract: An image forming material comprising a support having thereon a layer composed of a Ge--S composition or a Ge--S--X composition wherein X represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Mg, Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Sn, Zn, Pd, In, Se, Te, Fe, I, P and O which undergoes a structural change capable of being detected optically, electrically or chemically upon exposure imagewise to light wherein the Ge--S or Ge--S--X composition layer has a thickness of at least about 300A and contains therein at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu and Pb in an amount of more than 2 atoms of Ag, Cu and/or Pb based on 100 atoms of the Ge--S composition or the Ge--S--X composition.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate material comprising a support and a light sensitive layer provided on the support, the light-sensitive layer being composed of (A) an inorganic material; (B) at least one metal and/or metal compound [(A)/(B) are capable of reacting with each other upon application of electromagnetic radiation] and (C) an organic compound capable of affecting the reaction between the inorganic material (A) and the metal and/or metal compound (B), wherein the inorganic material (A), the metal or metal compound (B), and the organic compound (C) are in contact with each other. When the light-sensitive layer is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, a difference in the hydrophilic or oleophilic nature of the exposed areas and the unexposed areas results, whereby a planographic printing plate is obtained which can be mounted on a printing machine and printed without any other treatments.

Abstract: A processing-free lithographic printing plate, which comprises a support having deposited thereon a composition containing germanium and sulfur and at least one of a metal or metal compound in a physically mixed state.