Abstract: Instrument control and data acquisition in advanced analytic systems that utilize optical pulses for sample analysis are described. Clocking signals for data acquisition, data processing, communication, and/or other data handling functionalities can be derived from an on-board pulsed optical source, such as a passively mode-locked laser. The derived clocking signals can operate in combination with one or more clocking signals from a stable oscillator, so that instrument operation and data handling can tolerate interruptions in operation of the pulsed optical source.

Abstract: An imaged and developed element, such as a lithographic printing plate, is provided by infrared radiation imaging of a negative-working imageable element having a free radically polymerizable component, a free radical initiator composition, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and adhesion promoter that is an organic compound having an ethylenically unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond that is connected to an alkoxysilyl or hydroxysilyl group. The use of the adhesion promoter provides increased printing durability for the imaged and developed element, especially those having sulfuric acid-anodized aluminum substrates.

Abstract: A radiating-sensitive composition and negative-working imageable element includes a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation, a radiation absorbing compound, and particles of a poly(urethane-acrylic) hybrid that are distributed throughout the composition forming an imageable layer in the element. Imaging can be accomplished at a wide range of wavelengths from about 150 to about 1500 nm, and development can be accomplished using an organic solvent-based developer, warm water, plate cleaner, or on-press using a combination of a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive composition and negative-working imageable element includes a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation, a radiation absorbing compound, and particles of a poly(urethane-acrylic) hybrid that are distributed throughout the composition forming an imageable layer in the element. Imaging can be accomplished at a wide range of wavelengths from about 150 to about 1500 nm, and development can be accomplished using an organic solvent-based developer, warm water, plate cleaner, or on-press using a combination of a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable composition including an acid curable composition, an acid generator, an infrared absorber having a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid, and a strong acid such as a sulfonic acid. The imageable composition may include components such as a crosslinkable binder or a colorant. In one embodiment, the imageable composition further includes a colorant having a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid. The present invention further provides an imageable element, which includes a substrate and an imageable coating on a surface of the substrate. Also provided is method of producing an imaged element according to the invention.

Abstract: A method and system for processing patterning compositions such as those applied to printing plates are disclosed. An Infrared (IR) oven, instead of a conventional convection oven, is used for preheating image-wise exposed patterning composition before the exposed image is developed. In one embodiment of the invention, a substrate is coated with a layer of a patterning composition. The layer is then image-wise exposed. The coated substrate is then passed under one or more IR emitter tubes to preheat the image-wise exposed patterning composition, which is subsequently developed. The use of an IR oven offers the advantages of more precise and rapid temperature control, smaller system footprint, lower energy consumption and higher throughput as compared to the conventional methods and systems.

Abstract: Photosensitive polyesters having dye moieties incorporated into the polyester backbone are disclosed. The photosensitive polyesters contain an unsaturated photosensitive moiety comprising photopolymerizable —CH═CH—CO— groups and dye moieties derived from dyes that are copolymerizable diols. Negative-working photosensitive elements, such as negative-working printing plates, can be prepared using these photosensitive polyesters.

Abstract: A positive-working lithographic printing plate is used to provide a positive image without a post-exposure baking step and without any floodwise exposure steps. The printing plate includes an imaging layer that is imageable using an infrared radiation laser. The imaging layer consists essentially of a phenolic resin and an infrared radiation absorbing compound.