Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate, and a light-to-heat conversion layer containing a substance capable of converting light to heat and a binder, and an image forming layer, which are disposed on the substrate, wherein the binder in the light-to-heat conversion layer is a polyimide resin soluble in an organic solvent. In the thermal transfer sheet provided by the present invention, the light-to-heat conversion layer is not affected by the coating liquid disposed as a layer on the light-to-heat conversion layer. Further, the light-to-heat conversion layer thus formed exhibits high heat resistance and humidity resistance. Accordingly, the thermal transfer sheet of the present invention produces good images with little or no fogging.

Abstract: A thermal mass transfer donor element is provided that includes a thermal transfer layer and a light-to-heat conversion layer, wherein the light-to-heat conversion layer has at least two regions exhibiting different absorption coefficients. The thermal transfer donor elements provided can improve imaging performance by increasing transfer sensitivity and decreasing imaging defects.

Abstract: A plasticizer-containing layer can be used in a thermal transfer element to facilitate transfer to a receptor for the formation of a variety of articles. In one method, a receptor is brought into contact with a thermal transfer element that includes a transfer unit having at least one layer with a binder composition and a plasticizer. A portion of the transfer unit is thermally transferred to the receptor. This thermal transfer can be accomplished using, for example, a thermal print head or radiative (e.g., light or laser) thermal transfer. After transfer, the binder composition and the plasticizer (in the portion of the transfer unit that is transferred to the receptor) are reactively coupled.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning organic materials for electronic devices onto patterned substrates. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor.

Abstract: An improved electronic display that includes components selected to enhance display performance. The improved display includes an active substrate that has a plurality of thin film transistors and a plurality of thermally transferred color filters that include a colorant in a crosslinked binder. The active substrate can also include a black matrix. Other components in the improved display such as a liquid crystal material, spacers, and bottom polarizer, can be selected to enhance display performance characteristics such as brightness, power consumption, response time, weight, and thickness. The invention also provides a method of forming a color filter substrate for displays including the steps of thermally mass transferring a plurality of color filters and crosslinking the plurality of color filters after transfer. Before the crosslinking step, the plurality of color filters can be inspected and removed for reworking of the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A laser dye-ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a dye layer comprising an image dye dispersed in a polymeric binder and a polymeric overcoat which contains spacer beads but which does not contain any image dye, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith to absorb at a given wavelength of the laser used to expose the element, the image dye absorbing in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum of from about 300 to about 700 nm and not having substantial absorption at the wavelength of the laser used to expose the element.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing opto-electronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes. The method is a thermal dye transfer process in which a dye pattern is transferred from a dye transfer plate into a receiving layer of a substrate by bringing the dye transfer plate into contact with the receiving layer and heating to a relatively low temperature, preferably below the vaporization or sublimation temperature of the dye. The pattern of the dye is maintained upon transfer and diffusion. Preferably, the method is repeated to provide a three-color pattern in the receiving layer. The invention also encompasses an opto-electronic device comprising a receiving layer as prepared by the aforementioned method wherein the receiving layer is sandwiched between two electrodes, one of which is transparent. Optionally, a hole-transporting or electron-transporting layer can be deposited between each electrode and the receiving layer.

Abstract: A resin composition having laser marking properties from a NdYAG radiation laser wherein said composition comprises a polyester thermoplastic resin, a sufficient amount of light pigment for forming a light background coloration, and an effective amount of marking agent wherein said polyester thermoplastic resin decomposes in laser struck areas to form dark colored markings in laser struck areas on the light background coloration wherein the marking agent is selected from the group consisting of boron phosphate, zinc oxide, zinc stannate, zinc hydroxy stannate, tin (II) oxalate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor element is made by coating a support web, with a thermal insulating layer, and then overcoating with a coextensive ink repellent layer. The coextensive ink repellant layer comprises a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a colloid of an oxide or a hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth, a transition metal and combinations thereof. A photothermal conversion material is present in the ink repellent layer, in a stratum located between the thermal insulating layer and the ink repellent layer, or in both the ink repellent layer and the stratum. The ink repellant layer contains less than 5% hydrocarbon groups by weight.

Abstract: Thermal transfer articles of the invention comprising a carrier, optionally a release layer, a color layer releasably adhered thereto, and optionally an adherence layer on the bottom side of the color layer. Also graphic imaging compositions and methods for thermal transfer using such articles and compositions and graphic articles made by such methods. The transfer articles 1) exhibit thermoplastic, low cohesive properties during transfer such that good image resolution and transfer is achieved and 2) are radiation crosslinked after transfer such that a durable image is formed.

Abstract: A process of forming a halftone color proof containing at least one dye transfer image and at least one pigment transfer image, comprising imagewise-exposing, for less than about 10−4 sec., by means of a laser having a power density of greater than 104 W/cm2, a dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the laser exposure taking place through the side of the support of the dye-donor element which does not have the dye layer thereon, and transferring a portion of the dye in the dye layer to a receiving element having thereon an image-receiving layer; and imagewise-exposing, for less than about 10−4 sec.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.

Abstract: A laser donor element comprising a transparent support having thereon the following layers in the order recited: a) a hydrophilic layer; b) a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer being capable of forming a gas upon heating by the laser and an infrared-absorbing material, the propellant layer having been coated using a polar solvent having an Et value of between about 0.3 and 1.0; and c) a colorant transfer layer comprising a white pigment and an optical brightener dispersed in a binder.

Abstract: Novel compositions for making structured color images and application thereof Compositions for making structured color images comprising (a) a soluble pigment precursor which can be transformed to an insoluble pigment by means of chemical, thermal, photolytic or radiation-induced method, and (b) a binder polymer or prepolymer, or a positive or negative resist-type resin which can be structured by crosslinking, polymerization or depolymerization by applying heat or electromagnetic irradiation. The compositions can be applied to optical and thermal recording, printing, and the production of color filters for Liquid Crystal Displays, with high accuracy, high transparency and high stability.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium includes a support and a composite laminated recording layer formed on the support, the composite laminated recording layer including a reversible thermosensitive recording layer whose transparency or color reversibly changes by the application of heat thereto and a light-to-heat converting layer containing a light-to-heat converting material and a resin, and the composite laminated recording layer having a thermal pressure level difference of 40% or less.

Abstract: A laser addressable thermal imaging element comprising a bleachable photothermal converting dye in association with a heat-sensitive imaging medium, and a photoreducing agent for said dye, said photoreducing agent bleaching said dye on laser address of the element. The imaging element may be in the form of a colorant transfer system, a peel-apart system, a phototackification system or a unimolecular thermal fragmentation system. Also provided is a method of crosslinking a resin by leaser irradiation, which is useful in the production of colored images.

Abstract: A laser donor element comprising a transparent support having thereon the following layers in the order recited:a) a hydrophilic layer;b) a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer being capable of forming a gas upon heating by the laser and an infrared-absorbing material, the propellant layer having been coated using a polar solvent having an E.sub.t value of between about 0.3 and 1.0; andc) a colorant transfer layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a binder.

Abstract: A combination digital/analog color proofing method having the steps of: digitally forming a color thermal image on a receiver element comprising a receiver support and an image receiving layer; laminating the digitally formed image with a film comprising a support having a release surface and a thermoplastic polymer layer; removing the support thereby revealing the thermoplastic polymer layer, and leaving the digitally formed image encased between the image receiving layer and the thermoplastic polymer layer; and laminating an analog color image to the revealed thermoplastic polymer layer to create a color proof having at least two color images.

Abstract: A laser ablative recording material having at least one image forming layer on a support surface-treated by at least one of ultraviolet irradiation treatment, glow discharge treatment and flame treatment, and having at least one intermediate layer between the image forming layer and the support is disclosed. The laser ablative recording material of the present invention is characterized by high adhesion between the support and the image forming layer and low Dmin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element comprising a paper base, at least one photosensitive silver halide layer, a layer of polymer sheet between said paper base and said silver halide layer, incorporating a thin tinted polymer layer directly below said silver halide layer.

Abstract: Improved processes for laser thermal imaging and imaged laserable assemblages obtained using the improved processes of this invention are described. These improved processes operate effectively at high speeds and also afford high image densities and good durability of images present on receiver elements upon thermal imaging done in accordance with these improved processes. One application of the improved process provides a color filter element.

Abstract: Improved processes for laser thermal imaging and imaged laserable assemblages obtained using the improved processes of this invention are described. These improved processes operate effectively at high speeds and also afford high image densities and good durability of images present on receiver elements upon thermal imaging done in accordance with these improved processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peel-apart, single sheet color proofing system capable of producing a negative image on a receiver sheet upon exposure to infrared laser radiation and peel development. The invention provides a negative working thermal imageable element for infrared laser imaging having a substantially transparent substrate, an infrared radiation sensitive, crosslinked thermal transfer layer on a surface of the substrate having a substantially uniform admixture of carbon black and a crosslinked polymer, a color layer on the crosslinked thermal transfer layer having a substantially uniform admixture of an organic binder and a colorant, and a thermoplastic adhesive layer on the color layer. The invention also provides a method for producing a negative image and a method for producing a negative working thermal imageable element.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface a photosensitive layer and a thermosensitive layer, said thermosensitive layer being opaque to light for which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity and said thermosensitive layer being capable of rendered transparent upon exposure to laser light characterised in that said thermosensitive layer is soluble or swellable in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A precursor element for making a lithographic printing plate is composed of a support, an ink receptive thermal conversion inner layer and a sol-gel, ink repellent outer layer. The outer sol-gel layer containes crosslinked colloids derived from certain metal oxides or hydroxides. The plates produced from the ellements are long-running plates that require no post-imaging processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to color filters comprising a transparent substrate and a repeating pattern of colored pixels on the substrate thereby forming the color filter, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of small colorant areas, referred to as a sub-pixel. Processes forming pixels comprising a plurality of sub-pixels exhibit a drastic increase in the formation of usable color filters, resulting in greatly improved yields.

Abstract: The present application discloses a laser ablative recording material which has one or more image forming layers on a support, and one or more intermediate layers between said image forming layer and said support, wherein:at least one layer from among the layers on the image forming layer side contains a substance having absorption in the laser wavelengths, which is selected from dihydroperimidine-squarilium dyes represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 and/or R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 may be taken together to form 5 to 6 membered rings.

Abstract: A method of forming authenticated images on image areas of a receiver to form a series of viewable images such as postal stamps including moving a colorant donor element having a plurality of transferable colorants into transferable relationship with the receiver, the colorant donor element includes a representation of an image and marks which authenticate the image having colorant over such representation and marks; and transferring colorants onto the receiver in accordance with the representation and marks in the colorant donor element to form authenticated images in the receiver.

Abstract: A flash device includes a micro-optic array for concentrating light from the flash lamp on a radiation-absorbing dye carrier, thereby sublimating or vaporizing the dye from the radiation-absorbing dye carrier onto a receiver element, e.g. a glass plate or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising a laminated base comprising a layer of biaxially oriented film sheet adhered to the top surface of a base wherein said laminated base has a surface roughness average of between about 0.5 to 2.5 .mu.

Abstract: A thermal transfer element for forming a multilayer device may include a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit that, when transferred to a receptor, is configured and arranged to form a first operational layer and a second operational layer of a multilayer device. In at least some instances, the thermal transfer element also includes a light-to-heat conversion (LTHC) layer that can convert light energy to heat energy to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit. Transferring the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor may include contacting a receptor with a thermal transfer element having a substrate and a multicomponent transfer unit. Then, the thermal transfer element is selectively heated to transfer the multicomponent transfer unit to the receptor according to a pattern to form at least first and second operational layers of a device.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.

Abstract: A process of forming a color proof comprising imagewise-exposing, by means of a laser, a colorant-donor element comprising a support having thereon:(1) a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the gas-producing polymer being capable of forming a gas upon heating by the laser, and(2) a colorant transfer layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a binder, at least 50% by weight of the binder being a monomeric or oligomeric resin having a molecular weight of less than about 4,000 and the balance being a polymeric resin having a molecular weight of from about 15,000 to about 100,000;the laser exposure taking place through the side of the support of the donor element which does not have the colorant transfer layer thereon, and transferring the colorant transfer layer to a receiving element in juxtaposed position thereon separated by an air gap to obtain the color proof.

Abstract: An improved lithographic printing plate made by coating a support web with a coextensive ink receptive photothermal conversion layer and then overcoating with a ink repellent layer comprising a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a colloid of an oxide or a hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth, a transition metal and combinations thereof, along with a photothermal conversion material.

Abstract: A direct image-recording material has a layer of a thermosensitive layer formed on a thin substrate. The substrate comprises an organic polymeric material that is substantially transparent and colorless and has a thickness no greater than about 10 .mu.m. Preferred embodiments of the invention further include a support sheet with an interposed first adhesive layer on the thermosensitive composition layer. Other preferred embodiments further include a second adhesive layer and a backing sheet, which may be releasable, on the support sheet.

Abstract: Dimensional inconsistencies between a proof and an image to be overlaid thereon is avoided by subjecting both the proof image and the overlay image to the same heat treatment, thereby ensuring that both images undergo the same degree of shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of making a color filter includes the steps of bringing a color film sheet provided with a heat-fusible color dye layer into close contact with a support, and heating the color film sheet to transfer the color dye layer onto the support. The color film sheet further includes a light-heat conversion layer and a base film deposited under the color dye layer, and a separating layer provided between the base film and the color dye layer. Alternatively, the color film sheet further includes a base film and a light-heat conversion layer deposited under the color dye layer, and a stress-relieving layer provided between the base film and the color dye layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying an image to a fabric, which comprises the steps of (i) hand ironing an imaged copier or printer transfer material having a support sheet and a transfer coating to a receptor element having valleys on the surface of the receptor element, (ii) peeling away the support sheet to obtain an imaged receptor element, (ii) placing a tack-free overlay sheet over the imaged receptor element, and (iv) pressing the overlay sheet by hand ironing to drive the coating into the valleys of the receptor element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to color filters comprising a transparent substrate and a repeating pattern of colored pixels on the substrate thereby forming the color filter, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of small colorant areas, referred to as a sub-pixel. Processes forming pixels comprising a plurality of sub-pixels exhibit a drastic increase in the formation of usable color filters, resulting in greatly improved yields.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the image-wise exposure of a heat-sensitive imaging element with a laser and developing said imaging element by rinsing it with plain water or an aqueous solution. To improve ink-uptake the imaging element is exposed on an external drum recorder whereby the pixel dwell time of the laser is above 0.1 .mu.

Abstract: A method for controlling the color density of colorant transferred to a substrate involves creating tiny gap areas in the coverage of the colorant. The method is useful in producing color proofs of halftone images. The gap areas are typically much smaller than a screen dot in a halftone image. The method permits the generation of a proof which has the same sizes of screen dots as will appear in the final printed image while operating in the saturation portion of the transfer function for the colorant being used. Suitable gap areas may be provided by pulsing a laser used to transfer colorant from a donor to a substrate. The method does not require the use of a variable power laser and therefore is more stable than previous proofing methods.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a matrix on a substrate, said matrix being particularly useful in the formation of color filter elements, the process comprising the steps of:a) providing an imageable article comprising a substrate having on at least one surface thereof a black layer,b) directing energy of sufficient intensity at said black layer to transparentize black layer,c) said directing of energy being done so that black layer is removed in some areas, but is not removed in other areas so that borders of black layer surround areas from which black layer has been removed.A preferred method deposits colorant material within the open areas of the matrix by thermal transfer, e.g., laser induced thermal transfer, of colorant material to form a filter element.

Abstract: A donor film for a color filter is provided. The donor film includes a support layer, a light absorbing layer and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer comprises an acryl resin represented by the following formula (1) as a bonding resin: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 indicates a hydrogen or methyl group; R.sub.2 indicates C.sub.1 .about.C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2 .about.C.sub.10 hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring, C.sub.5 .about.C.sub.10 cycloalkyl or benzyl group; R.sub.3 indicates C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring, C.sub.5 .about.C.sub.10 cycloalkyl or benzyl group; X indicates a vinyl group, epoxy group or hydrogen atom; and 0.1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.65, 0.3.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.8 and 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.2 (Here, a, b and c denote mole fractions, and the sum of a, b and c is 1).

Abstract: Constructions useful as lithographic printing plates include metallic inorganic layers exhibiting both hydrophilicity and substantial durability at very thin application levels. These materials ablatively absorb imaging radiation, thereby facilitating direct imaging without chemical development. They can also be used to form optical interference structures which, in addition to providing color, likewise absorb imaging radiation and ablate in response to imaging pulses.

Abstract: An imaging element is described comprising a support material having thereon at least one image-forming layer and at least one layer coated from a composition containing a dispersion of aqueous dispersible polyurethane polymer particles dispersed in a continuous liquid phase comprising primarily water-miscible organic solvent. A coating composition for coating a polyurethane layer on a moving film support is also described comprising a dispersion of aqueous dispersible polyurethane polymer particles dispersed in a continuous liquid phase comprising primarily water-miscible organic solvent, said composition having a concentration of from 0.1 to 20 wt percent total solids and a viscosity of from 0.5 to 50 centipoise. The coating compositions in accordance with this invention have unique coating rheologies and provide layers for imaging elements having excellent film forming and physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Compositions for making structured color images comprising(a) a soluble pigment precursor which can be transformed to an insoluble pigment by means of chemical, thermal, photolytic or radiation-induced method, and(b) a binder polymer or prepolymer, or a positive or negative resist-type resin which can be structured by crosslinking, polymerization or depolymerization by applying heat or electromagnetic irradiation.The compositions can be applied to optical and thermal recording, printing, and the production of color filters for Liquid Crystal Displays, with high accuracy, high transparency and high stability.