Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive microcapsule in which the image forming material comprises at least one of a dyeprecursor, a dye, and a pigment and the photosensitive material changes its mechanical strength by reacting to light. Moreover, the image forming material and the photosensitive material are separated from one another within the microcapsule. Therefore, the photosensitive microcapsule has high photosensitive sensitivity, yet can form an image with high resolution, high color reproduction and high density.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image by use of photosensitive microcapsules each consisting of an outer shell and a liquid component encapsulated in the outer shell. The liquid component contains an image forming material and a photocuring substance that is polymerized by light. The microcapsules are electrically charged to be supported on a support member. Then, the microcapsules are exposed to light having image information to selectively harden the microcapsules. The microcapsules not cured are ruptured to discharge the image forming material, thereby forming an image by the image forming material on an image receiving paper. Then, a residue inclusive of the remaining microcapsules and a part of the liquid component left on the support member are exposed again to light to be cured and solidified. The solidified residue on the support member is wholly removed by a cleaning member.