Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low temperature polysilicon film is provided. A first metal layer is formed on a substrate; and openings have been formed in the first metal layer. A second metal layer is formed on the first metal layer: and a hole corresponding to each of the openings is formed in the second metal layer. A silicon layer is formed on the second metal layer; a silicon seed is formed on the substrate inside each of the holes. After removing the first and the second metal layers, an amorphous silicon layer is formed on the substrate by using the silicon seed. Then a laser crystallization step is performed to form a polysilicon layer from the amorphous layer. Since the position of the silicon seed can be controlled, the size and distribution of the silicon grain and the number of the silicon crystal interface can also be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a polymer and methods of using the composition to increase the traction of an article of manufacture on an icy surface. The polymer can be a silicate polymer, a plancheite-derived polymer, a pinacol polymer, an indanol polymer, a phenol polymer, or an m-xylylene polymer.

Abstract: In a metal part in which a rubber is adhered to a portion or the whole of a surface thereof, and a surface treating method of the metal part to improve adhesive property between the metal and the rubber, to make it easy to form a surface roughness in a portion of a metal part, and to achieve an improvement in the surface roughness and mold maintenance property, a reduction of working cost, and a reduction of man hour. A surface roughness for increasing adhesive property between the metal and the rubber is formed in a portion of the metal part to which the rubber is adhered, and the surface roughness is transcribed from a mold to the metal part by providing with a surface roughness in the mold. A magnitude of the surface roughness is preferably set to be 10 ?m or more and less than 60 ?m.

Abstract: A manufacturing system capable of enhancing reliability and luminance of a light emitting element is provided which uses an EL material of very high purity in evaporation. The system is also capable of using an EL material efficiently. Instead of a glass jar, a container (first container 11a) to be set in an evaporation apparatus is employed and a material maker (18) stores an EL material (12), or refines it by sublimation and stores, directly in the container. The container is then transferred to a light emitting device maker (19) for evaporation. With a manufacturing system as such, impurities are prevented from contaminating a highly pure EL material. This system also eliminates the trouble of transferring an EL material from a glass jar to a container. The container may be recovered by the material maker and the EL material remaining in the container may be collected for reuse by the manufacturing system.

Abstract: A cholesteric display including a cholesteric liquid crystal, and a dipolar dopant having limited miscibility in the cholesteric liquid crystal is provided. In accordance with another aspect, a process is provided for forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition by dissolving a dipolar dopant having limited solubility into a cholesteric liquid crystal. The liquid crystal composition can be utilized to produce a cholesteric display. The liquid crystal domains in the liquid crystal composition rotate away from a planar state in the presence of an applied electric field and the degree of rotation is a function of the applied electric field strength. The reflected color is then a function of the applied electric field.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging laminate for a retortable packaging container comprising a core layer (11), outer, liquid-tight coatings (12 and 13) and a gas barrier (14) disposed between the one coating (12) and the core layer (11). Between the gas barrier (14) and the core layer (11), there is a layer (16) of a lamination or sealing agent of such a nature that the lamination or sealing agent has a melting point which is higher than the maximum temperature to which the retortable packaging container is to be subjected during a normal heat treatment in a retort. The lamination or sealing agent in the layer (16) may, for example, be a polypropylene with a melting point of above 130° C.

Abstract: A paperboard composite for use in packaging applications includes paperboard adhered to a backing structure, providing enhanced wet tear strength. The backing structure includes an oriented polymer film and a reinforcing scrim, bonded together by a thermal bonding layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the parts of the backing structure are of similar chemical composition, thereby facilitating recycling of scraps and other waste.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an end use article (i.e., an article of manufacture) and a process for making the same, wherein the end use article has a relatively high gloss and exhibits excellent processability over a wide range of processing conditions. The end use article can be formed with glossy polyethylene having an “a” parameter less than or equal to about 0.40, and the glossy polyethylene can be a Metallocene polyethylene. The end use article can have a 60° specular gloss of at least about 40%, or from about 40% to about 80%, or from about 60% to about 80%. The end use article may be pigmented or unpigmented.

Abstract: A method for mechanically protecting a connection between at least two components forming part of an electrical and/or telecommunications network. At least one protective coating is provided, the coating being produced from an expanded polymeric material and providing the connection with a mechanical impact strength and ensuring a predetermined heat exchange between the connection and the external environment. This coating is axially and circumferentially continuous with respect to the connection. The present invention also relates to a coating for the mechanical protection of a connection between two components and to a joint thus protected.

Abstract: A system for marking the different sides of a substrate so that the different sides can be identified is disclosed. A substrate holder is used for marking a substrate during the film growth process so that the different sides of the substrate can be distinguished includes a set of fingers having a groove for holding the substrate. The fingers extend over a surface of the substrate for shielding incoming material being deposited onto the surface of the substrate leaving a portion of the surface uncovered. The fingers are positioned asymmetrically. The fingers include a first finger, a second finger, and a third finger, with a distance between said first finger and said second finger is less than the distance between said first finger and said third finger and is less than the distance between said second finger and said third finger.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, such as soft drink and other beverage containers, is formed from a polymer composition which provides the carrier with improved recovery, tensile strength and tear resistance. The polymer composition includes about 50–99% by weight of a low density ethylene polymer having a density of about 0.910–0.950 grams/cm3 and about 1–50% by weight of a single site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer plastomer having a density of about 0.850–0.905 grams/cm3.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet made from an air-laid fiber web includes a functional emboss pattern of a continuous (wave-like) shape extending in the machine direction of the sheet. The emboss pattern defines a plurality of compressed regions operative to preferentially convey sorbed liquid away from the point of insult to prevent product failure. The sheet is particularly useful as absorbent core material within a multi-layer absorbent pad. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making absorbent sheet utilizing an emboss roll provided with radially projecting circumferential sinuate bosses.

Abstract: A transfer capable of applying one- or multi-colored patterns to textiles under heat and pressure comprises a carrier sheet (1) having a non-binding surface which carries (a) a one- or multi-colored pattern (5) printed on the carrier sheet using a digitally controlled color printer; (b) a transparent (6) or white-pigmented (7) elastomer layer of a polymer having a high plasticizing point printed configuratively on the pattern (5); and (c) a heat-activatable thermoplastic polymeric glue layer (8) printed configuratively on the transparent (6) or white-pigmented (7) elastomer layer or a heat-activatable hot melt granulate sprinkled on the elastomer layer while said layer was still wet. An even better encapsulation of the colored pattern is obtained when the carrier sheet has printed thereon a first transparent elastomer layer of a polymer having a high plasticizing point, and the pattern is printed on this elastomer layer using a digitally controlled color printer.

Abstract: Surface covering components that include a topcoat layer with different gloss levels in various regions on the top coat layer, and methods of manufacturing such surface covering components, are disclosed. The surface covering components include a coating layer that includes regions that have a relatively higher gloss, and regions with a relatively lower gloss. The differential gloss is provided by coating a substrate with a UV-curable coating composition, subjecting a first region of the surface coating to polymerization under a first set of conditions, and subjecting a second region of the surface coating to polymerization under a second set of conditions. The UV-curable coating compositions include UV-curable components and one or more flatting agents. The different polymerization conditions involve applying various photoinitiators, thermal initiators and/or cure altering agents to some regions of the coated substrate, and not applying these components to other regions of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display and a method for making the display comprising a substrate, an electrically modulated imaging layer, a first transparent conductive layer, and a dark light absorbing layer comprising a binder and a blend of nonconductive colorants and conductive colorants, wherein the conductive colorant is present in an amount less than 25% by weight.

Abstract: Described are microfiber-entangled products and methods of producing microfiber-entangled products from microfiber materials or microfiber-forming materials, the microfiber entangled products having various useful product constructions that incorporate microfiber materials and other materials that can be combined by folding, weaving, lapping, twisting, tying, braiding, or otherwise.

Abstract: The invention provides a foamed body of thermoplastic resin having a high expansion ratio, desired shape and cells of desired diameter, especially fine cells. The foamed body of thermoplastic resin is produced by filling the thermoplastic resin containing a foaming agent into a cavity 31 of a mold 2a and thereafter enlarging the cavity 31 to expand the resin. In this process, the cavity 31 is completely filled with the resin as melted and containing the foaming agent, then held in its shape as filled with the resin and enlarged to an increased final cavity width upon the average temperature filled in the cavity 31 reaching the range from the melting point of the resin to the melting point plus 30° C.

Abstract: To provide an acrylic film, composed of a resin composition (C) that includes an acrylic graft copolymer (A) containing an acrylic ester rubber-like polymer and a methacrylic polymer (B) containing 80% by weight or more of methyl methacrylate, wherein (1) the content of the acrylic ester rubber-like polymer in the resin composition (C) is 5% by weight or more and 30% by weight or less, (2) the average particle size of the acrylic ester rubber-like polymer is 500 to 2000 ?, (3) the relationship between the average particle size d (?) of the acrylic ester rubber-like polymer and the amount w (% by weight) of crosslinking agent used in the acrylic ester rubber-like polymer satisfies the following equation: 0.002d?w?0.005d, (4) the graft ratio of the acrylic graft copolymer (A) is 30% or more and 200% or less, and (5) the reduced viscosity of methyl ethyl ketone soluble matter in the resin composition (C) is 0.2 to 0.8 dl/g.

Abstract: A diamond coated cutting tool is disclosed having a either steel or cemented carbide substrate. The interior layer disposed between the diamond coating and the substrate inhibits the diffusion of carbon and other species.

Abstract: A sealable multi-layer opaque film. In particular, a sealable multi-layer opaque film that is moisture permeable and water resistant. The sealable multi-layer opaque film is an oriented multilayer film with a core layer comprising an orientation-enhancing polymer, a polypropylene homopolymer and a beta crystal nucleator of polypropylene and at least one sealable skin layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) wherein the bicomponent fiber has a substantially oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio A:B of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein A is a fiber cross-section major axis length and B is a fiber cross-section minor axis length, a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis, a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core, a tenacity at 10% elongation of about 1.1 cN/dtex to about 3.5 cN/dtex, a free-fiber length retention of about 40% to about 85%, and a tow crimp development value of about 30 to 55%, and a spun yarn comprising the bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core-shell polymers having a hydrophilic copolymer shell, and a high level of core material of from 75 to 95 weight percent. The hydrophilic shell provides better coverage of the core resulting in better powder properties such as anti-blocking. The hydrophilic shell also allows for a thinner shell and a larger elastomeric core. Core-shell polymers of the invention are especially useful as impact modifiers for plastic materials.

Abstract: A transparent coated substrate with rather high reflectance, especially for use as in exterior glazing panels for buildings or automotives, is provided by a substrate carrying a coating stack comprising a pyrolytically-formed main layer containing oxide of tin and an outer layer comprising TiO2, whereby the so-coated substrate has a reflectance (RL) of more than 10%. The coated substrate advantageously shows photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties.

Abstract: The heat shrinkable film of polylactic acid-based resin used for shrink packaging, shrink bundling, shrink label and the like, can prevent shrinking in the machinery direction after stretching and can show a good appearance after shrinking. The heat shrinkable film of polylactic acid-based resin comprises at least one layer formed by using mainly a resin composition which contains polylactic acid-based resin and aliphatic polyester “A” having a melting point of 100 to 170° C. and a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less, in which the heat shrinkable film of polylactic acid-based resin is stretched in at least one direction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a porous pad impregnated with wood preservative(s) and/or metal corrosion inhibitor(s) to which future maintenance treatments can be applied. These pads are designed to be placed within joints of wood, metal or combinations thereof for protection against biotic and/or abiotic deterioration. The pad can be placed between joints of wood and/or metal members.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention concerns an ornamental tape configuration applied to a glass surface. The ornamental tape configuration includes first, second and third decorative tape strips applied to a glass surface. The second decorative tape strip is applied to the glass surface in a spaced apart relationship to the first decorative tape strip. The third decorative tape is applied to the glass surface between the first and second decorative tape strips such that edges of the third decorative tape strip overly the first and second decorative tape strips. Another aspect of the present invention is an elongated decorative tape for use between a pair of decorative tape strips. The decorative tape includes a decorative portion is supported by a base portion such that first and second decorative portion edges extend beyond first and second sides of the base portion.

Abstract: A multi-layer sliding part is prepared by a process including mixing 1–50 parts by volume of a Cu-plated solid lubricant powder with 100 parts by volume of a Cu-based alloy powder comprising 5–20 mass % of Sn and a remainder of Cu to form a mixed powder, sintering the mixed powder in a reducing atmosphere to form a sintered mass, pulverizing the sintered mass to form a powder, dispersing the powder formed by pulverizing on a steel backing plate, and sintering the dispersed powder to bond grains of the dispersed powder to each other and to the backing plate.

Abstract: The new organic electroluminescent display device has a carrier-transporting layer and/or an organic luminous layer composed of a nematic liquid crystal or a liquid crystal dispersing a carrier-transporting low-molecule therein. When the organic luminous layer is to be bestowed with faculty as a liquid crystal, it is made of a nematic liquid crystal. Both the carrier-transporting layer and the organic luminous layer may be bestowed with faculty as a liquid crystal. Since the liquid crystal is incorporated in the carrier-transporting layer and/or the organic luminous layer, the display device can be driven as a liquid crystal display device in a dark place by charging with a voltage lower than a light emission initiating potential. Of course, it is driven as an electroluminescent display device when it is charged with a voltage higher than the light emission initiating potential. Use of an electroluminescent liquid crystal as a organic luminous layer enables omission of a carrier-transporting layer.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an underlayer formed on the substrate, and containing at least one element selected from the group A consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ag, Au, Ir and Fe, and at least one element or compound selected from the group B consisting of C, Ta, Mo, W, Nb, Zr, Hf, V, Mg, Al, Zn, Sn, In, Bi, Pb, Cd, SiO2, MgO, Al2O3, TaC, TiC, TaN, TiN, B2O3, ZrO2, In2O3 and SnO2, and a magnetic layer formed on the underlayer, containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Au and Ir, and containing crystal grains having an L10 structure.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium and method for forming the magnetic recording medium are described. The magnetic recording medium includes a magnetic layer formed on a non-magnetic support, and a lubricant layer over the magnetic layer. The lubricant layer includes a compound selected from hydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentanes, hydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentenes, hydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentadienes, and mixtures or derivatives thereof and, optionally, one or more additives. The lubricant layer also may be used on a magnetic head for reading and writing information on a magnetic recording medium. The magnetic recording medium and the magnetic head may be used to manufacture computer disk drives, compact disk drives, audio equipment, and video equipment.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device comprises a cathode, an anode, and therebetween a layer containing a host material and an ethynyl compound of Formula (1): A-C?C-B??(1) in an amount sufficient to stabilize the device wherein A and B represent independently selected fused carbocyclic ring groups.

Abstract: Hydrogen stored in a high-pressure tank 21 is supplied to a metal hydride (MH) tank 31 to be occluded. Cooling water of a cooling system C1 for a fuel cell 10 is heated through the heat generated at this time to warm-up the fuel cell. By such a configuration, the fuel cell can be warmed up without consuming the valuable hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel cell wherein reactive gas or coolant flow directions within single-cell internal passages may be changed by switching the positions of flow control means such as electromagnetic valves in order to alter flow directions and flow velocities in accordance with fuel cell operating states. Altering flow to different directions within the internal passages, such as to a second flow direction perpendicular to a first flow direction, permits control of gas flow to combat fuel cell flooding, wherein the altered reactant gas flow causes accumulated water to be discharged from the cell. Such flow control further permits control of gas and coolant temperatures to optimize cell moisture distribution and control.

Abstract: A method of production and apparatus for a fuel cell having three nested truncated cones. The inner cone is made of a porous metal sponge, such as nickel, and provides a media through which fuel can pass. The second cone is provided around the inner cone in use, and acts as a diffuser for the fuel to promote efficient contact with the third cone. The third cone is the fuel cell itself and includes an electrolyte component which provides a gas impermeable layer between fuel and oxidation sides of the cell. A cathode and anode are provided on outer and inner surfaces respectively of the electrolyte component. The fuel cell is configured such that the lower surface of the fuel cell has a cross-sectional profile of greater area than the top surface. The top surface has an aperture allowing fuel to exit the diffuser cone.

Abstract: Dislocations are fabricated into electrolyte membrane films to increase ion conductivity. Ion and/or electron irradiation causes the growth of vacancy clusters within the thin film and collapsing into Frank dislocation loops that exhibit high ion conductivity. Maximum ion conductivity is accomplished by spatially reorienting the Frank dislocation loops during a following heat-treatment of the membrane. Thereby the dislocation loops form surface-to-surface continuous dislocations along which ions may propagate between membrane surfaces with minimal activation energies. Dislocation densities in the range of 108˜1014 cm/cm3 may be fabricated with conventional irradiation techniques into ceramics such as, for example yttria stabilized zirconia and doped ceria.

Abstract: A composition comprising particulate carbonaceous material and a conducting polymer containing hetero atoms. The composition can further comprise a metal. Devices comprising the composition can be constructed including supported electrocatalysts, membrane electrode assemblies, and fuel cells. A method for preparing the composition comprises oxidatively polymerizing a monomer of a conducting polymer containing hetero atoms in the presence of a carbonaceous material wherein the oxidative polymerization takes place in the presence of a metal-containing oxidizing agent. The method grafts the conducting polymer to the carbonaceous material while essentially simultaneously metallizing the composition.

Abstract: An ion conducting membrane comprising dendrimeric polymers covalently linked into a network structure. The dendrimeric polymers have acid functional terminal groups and may be covalently linked via linking compounds, cross-coupling reactions, or copolymerization reactions. The ion conducting membranes may be produced by various methods and used in fuel cells.

Abstract: A separator plate in an electrochemical cell and method for making the same includes a body with an electrically conductive first section having fluid flow fields with a plurality of flow channels formed therein. A second section is provided adjacent to the first section that has a header area defining a manifold that supplies fluids to the flow fields of each fuel cell. The second section is non-conductive to prevent possible electrical interaction with any aqueous fluids of finite ionic conductivity present in the fuel cell, which may result in inefficient fuel cell operations.

Abstract: A first separator of a unit cell and a second separator of another unit cell and are disposed adjacent to each other in a stacked assembly. Crest surfaces of straight sections of first hollow ridges of the first separator are in contact with crest surfaces of second hollow ridges of the second separator, and crest surfaces of bent sections of the first hollow ridges are spaced from crest surfaces of the second hollow ridges. The spaced crest surfaces allow first troughs of the first separator and second troughs of the second separator to communicate with each other, providing communication passages between the first separator and the second separator. Cooling water is passed through the communication passages.

Abstract: In order to provide a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell in which the thickness of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is thin by enhancing self-protection of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrode assembly comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of gas diffusion electrode layer having catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers. The catalyst layers of the gas diffusion electrode layer sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, one surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is covered by the gas diffusion electrode layer and the other surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane extends over the gas diffusion electrode layer, and ends of the catalyst layer of one gas diffusion electrode layer are disposed to be offset to ends of the catalyst layer of the other gas diffusion electrode layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a pressure relief vent formed in a metal plate disposed in at least one of the closed end and the open end of the container. The pressure relief vent has an annular ring that includes a reduced thickness groove, interrupted in at least two places by unthinned sections of the plate. When the vent opens to relieve pressure from within the cell, the area of the plate within the annular ring remains attached to the remainder of the plate by at least one of the unthinned sections. A can with such a pressure relief vent formed in the can bottom is useful as an electrochemical cell container.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprising alternating layers of positive and negative electrodes separated from each other by separator layers. The electrode layers extend beyond the periphery of the separator layers providing superior contact between the electrodes and battery terminals, eliminating the need for welding the electrode to the terminal. Electrical resistance within the battery is decreased and thermal conductivity of the cell is increased allowing for superior heat removal from the battery and increased efficiency. Increased internal pressure within the battery can be alleviated without damaging or removing the battery from service while keeping the contents of the battery sealed off from the atmosphere by a pressure release system. Nonoperative cells within a battery assembly can also be removed from service by shorting the nonoperative cell thus decreasing battery life.

Abstract: A system and a method of storage and dissolution of solid catholyte are provided. The system and the method employ a solid medium having a controlled surface from which solid catholyte particles suspended within a matrix of encapsulating species are dissolved and hydrolyzed producing hydrogen peroxide to be used in semi fuel cells of undersea vehicles. Encapsulating species are also dissolved and hydrolyzed rendering products completely usable in the semi fuel cell. Sodium peroxide is preferably used as the solid catholyte and potassium superoxide and/or sodium hydroxide are preferably used as encapsulating species.

Abstract: In an electrode for a lithium battery having a lithium storing and releasing active thin film provided on a current collector, such as a microcrystalline or amorphous silicon thin film, the electrode is characterized in that the thin film is divided into columns by gaps formed therein in a manner to extend in its thickness direction and that the columnar portions are at their bottoms adhered to the current collector.

Abstract: An electrochemical element or cell and a cathode for same which contains an anode, a separator, and a cathode composed of manganese dioxide; this cathode incorporates an inorganic crystalline additive of tungsten oxide, compounds of zirconium, titanium oxide with rutile structure, yttrium oxide, cerium oxide, zeolites and aluminosilicates, and at least one of these is present in a proportion or range between one ten thousandth (0.0001) and ten (10) percent by weight of the cathode mass.

Abstract: In a lithium secondary battery comprising positive and negative electrodes each comprising at least an active material capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, a binder and a current collector, and an electrolytic solution, the active material in the positive and/or negative electrode has been made conductive by coating its surface with a conductive agent and a binder, and affixed to the surface of the collector by a dry process. The lithium secondary battery is given a higher energy density and a higher output density and will find a wider range of application.

Abstract: A spin-coating method according to the present invention includes a uniforming step of rotating a substrate at a predetermined main rotation speed for a predetermined main rotation time so as to primarily make a resist film thickness uniform, and a subsequent drying step of rotating the substrate at a predetermined drying rotation speed for a predetermined drying rotation time so as to primarily dry the uniform resist film. In the present invention, a contour map, for example, of film thickness uniformity within an effective region (critical area) shown in FIG. 3A is determined (generated), and resist-coating is performed by selecting a condition within the optimum region in this contour map in which the film thickness uniformity (within an effective region) can be the maximum, or within the region in which the film thickness uniformity (within an effective region) can be high enough for a desirably specified.

Abstract: A photomask blank having a film of at least one layer formed on a substrate is manufactured by forming a film on a substrate and irradiating the film with light from a flash lamp. A photomask is manufactured from the thus manufactured photomask blank by forming a patterned resist on the film on the blank by photolithography, etching away those portions of the film which are not covered with the resist, and removing the resist. The photomask blank and photomask have minimized warpage and improved chemical resistance.

Abstract: An image forming method of the invention is an image forming method comprising the steps of exposing, through a photo mask, a substrate, on which a first negative photosensitive resin layer and second negative photosensitive resin layer are formed, wherein the photo mask is a photo mask having at least two light transmittable patterns, and the photosensitivity ratio of the first negative photosensitive resin layer to the second negative photosensitive resin layer is more than 1. This method makes it possible to form an image easily, which is used suitably by a reflection and transmission LCD display wherein the film thickness of a colored layer is partially varied in each pixel, and to easily form a spacer and a projection for orientation control.