Abstract: A coating composition for coating on a substrate to form a sensitive media suitable for color formation by exposure to a laser in the wavelength range of from about 10.3 to about 10.6 microns is provided, the coating composition comprising: (a) at least one organic compound which absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from about 10.3 to about 10.6 microns and which generates sufficient energy to trigger a color formation reaction, and (b) at least one color forming agent which can form a human-visible mark upon a triggering reaction by the absorbed energy in the coated media.

Abstract: A laser markable media that can provide superior mark quality with high contrast, high resolution, and a high degree of quality consistency, and that does not rely on physical damages to the material integrity on the exposed area. The laser markable media further provides a balanced performance between good media storage stability, heat resistance and optimum sensitivity to laser exposure. Also disclosed is a laser markable media that has a high degree of transparency to satisfy a wider range of application requirements than found in the prior art and a method of using the media.