Abstract: The present invention relates to a thinner composition for removing resist used in TFT-LCD manufacturing processes, and more particularly to a thinner composition for removing resist that comprises: a) 0.1 to 5 wt % of an inorganic alkali compound; b) 0.1 to 5 wt % of an organic amine; c) 0.1 to 30 wt % of an organic solvent; d) 0.01 to 5 wt % of a surfactant comprising an ionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant in the weight ration of 1:5 to 1:25; and e) 60 to 99 wt % of water. The thinner composition for removing resist of the present invention has good efficiency of removing unwanted resist film constituents formed on the edge of the resist film or at the back of the substrate in TFT-LCD device and semiconductor device manufacturing processes. Also, it does not have the problem of equipment corrosion.

Abstract: A method for forming resist patterns, and an overlying layer material and a semiconductor device used in the method for forming resist patterns, which can improve the dimensional uniformity of resist patterns by inhibiting the multiple interference of light beams within a resist film; improve the environmental resistance in a clean room or the like; and obtain resist patterns having rectangular sectional shapes by preventing the acid in the overlying layer material from diffusing into the resist. By using an overlying layer material containing a water-soluble low-molecular-weight acidic substance and a water-soluble photo base generator preventing the diffusion of the acidic substance into the resist, the base formed after exposure neutralizes the acids contained in the overlying layer material in nature, and the diffusion of the acid into the resist can be inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention uses a thermal transfer film in combination with a thermally sensitive color developing paper. The hue of the thermal transfer ink layer or the hue of the developed color of the color developing paper can be recorded on the color developing paper when the applied energy is low, and a plurality of colors can be recorded on the color developing paper by color mixture of the transfer from the thermal transfer ink layer and the developed color of the color developing paper when the applied energy is high.

Abstract: The present invention uses a thermal transfer film in combination with a thermally sensitive color developing paper. The hue of the thermal transfer ink layer or the hue of the developed color of the color developing paper can be recorded on the color developing paper when the applied energy is low, and a plurality of colors can be recorded on the color developing paper by color mixture of the transfer from the thermal transfer ink layer and the developed color of the color developing paper when the applied energy is high.

Abstract: The present invention uses a thermal transfer film in combination with a thermally sensitive color developing paper. The hue of the thermal transfer ink layer or the hue of the developed color of the color developing paper can be recorded on the color developing paper when the applied energy is low, and a plurality of colors can be recorded on the color developing paper by color mixture of the transfer from the thermal transfer ink layer and the developed color of the color developing paper when the applied energy is high.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for negative a positive image, using a negative acting color proofing element comprising, sequentially, a strippable cover sheet; a crosslinked layer containing a polymer having phenolic groups; a color layer, containing a colorant, a polymeric binder, a polymerizable monomer and, optionally, a photoinitiator; a photoadhering layer containing polymerizable groups, and, optionally, a free radical photoinitiator; and a optional thermoplastic adhesive layer. At least one of the color layer and the photoadhering layer containing the photoinitiator. The element is first exposed to actinic radiation and then laminated to a receiver sheet. The composite peeled apart to thereby form a colored negative image on the receiver sheet.

Abstract: An integral membrane can be formed in sheet-like photosensitive laminate structures. The process for forming the structure involves coating a first relatively thin photosensitive layer on a substrate or carrier film, then forming a second relatively thicker photosensitive layer (when compared to the first layer) on the first layer. The structure is exposed by directing appropriate actinic radiation against the substrate, film or carrier layer under controlled conditions such that only the first layer is substantially exposed to radiation resulting in polymerization or crosslinking and a substantial reduction in the solubility of the first layer. The relatively thinner less soluble layer then acts as a peelable integral release layer in the photosensitive structure. The thicker second layer can then be imagewise exposed to actinic radiation, and then used conventionally in imaging processes such as sandblasting.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pattern sheet for plate-making capable of easily forming a positive image through the use of a photographic negative film. In this method, as a first step, a negative film with a printed negative image is placed on a surface of a light transmission sheet carrying a photosensitive color-developing layer containing a photosensitive color-developing material which makes a color development in response to light. Further, as a second step, the light is applied thereto from the negative film side after the first step. As a result of the application of the light, a color development takes place in the photosensitive color-developing layer due to the light passing through the negative image, thus causing a positive image to be formed on the surface of the light transmission sheet.

Abstract: A photosensitive material for the production of offset printing plates which contains a) a coating base which is composed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and is suitable for offset printing, b) a hydrophilic coating containing an organic polymer and a free-radical-polymerizable compound and having a coating weight in the range from 0.001 to 1 g/m.sup.2, c) a photopolymerizable coating containing (1) a polymeric binder, (2) a free-radical-polymerizable compound and (3) a compound or a combination of compounds which is capable of initiating the polymerization of the compound (2) on exposure to actinic radiation, and d) a transparent covering sheet, the adhesion of the photopolymerizable coating (c) to the hydrophilic coating (b) and/or the covering sheet (d) being altered by exposure. The material is processed to form the printing plate by imagewise exposure and peeling the covering sheet (d) together with the unexposed areas of the coating (c) off the coating base (a) ("peel apart").

Abstract: Certain squaric acid derivatives are useful for the thermochemical generation of acid. The squaric acid derivatives may be used in imaging media in conjunction with acid-sensitive materials which undergo a color change when contacted by the acid generated from the squaric acid derivatives. Preferably, the acid-sensitive materials undergo an irreversible color change, so that the image can be fixed by neutralizing all the acid generated with excess base, thereby preventing further color change in the image during long term storage.

Abstract: Unique laser ablation transfer ("LAT") imaging technique presenting options of flexibility and versatility hitherto alien to LAT imaging science ("LATIS"), comprises LAT imaging onto special or conventional intermediate receptor elements, characteristically onto adhesive face surface thereof, and then laminating, notably hot laminating under pressure, the intermediate receptor thus imaged onto any one of a very wide variety of ultimate receptor substrates; thus produced are, e.g., original full-color prints or proofs, photomasks, monochrome or multichrome transparencies, and the like, having smooth or matte protective durable overcoatings.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition which comprises a resin containing at least one repeating unit represented by the following general formulae (I) and (II): ##STR1## The photosensitive resin composition is soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and the cured product thereof has good alkali resistance. Furthermore, the resin composition not only has excellent solubility and production suitability, but also has high chemical resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminar thermal imaging medium, actuatable in response to intense image-forming radiation for production of a pair of images upon exposure of the medium and separation of the respective sheets, the medium including a polymeric hardenable adhesive layer which in its unhardened condition reduces the tendency for the laminar thermal imaging medium to delaminate on application of physical stresses to the medium, and which is hardenable to a durable base for one of said images. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a laminar imaging medium as aforedescribed wherein said medium after lamination of component elements thereof is cut into individual units and, thereafter, the hardenable adhesive layer of such units is hardened to a durable base for an image carried thereon.

Abstract: A print-out layer is incorporated in a donor element that is useful in a dry color proofing process in which a colored image is transferred from the donor element to a receiver. To achieve full color reproduction, images are transferred in succession and in register, to the receiver from donor elements, respectively containing yellow, magenta, cyan and black colorants. A visible image is formed in the print-out layer as a result of imagewise exposure of the donor element to activating radiation and is utilized to facilitate visual registration in forming the multicolor image on the receiver.

Abstract: An image forming method is conducted by subjecting a dry silver salt image forming medium to imagewise exposure and heating to form a light-absorbing organic compound. Thereafter, the medium is subjected to polymerization exposure to imagewise polymerize the medium based on the formation pattern of the light-absorbing compound. The light-absorbing organic compound has specific sensitivities to light in order to maximize contrast.

Abstract: A process for forming a conductive region without photoresist-related reflective notching damage has a starting step (23) wherein a photoresist layer is formed over a conductive layer (34). The photoresist layer is used to mask the conductive layer. The photoresist layer is lithographically processed and chemically developed to form a masking photoresist region (38) overlying the conductive layer (34). The masking photoresist region has a sidewall and has a reflective notch which results from the lithographic processing. A hardening step, performed in-situ with a plurality of conductive layer etch steps, is used to form an etch-resistant polymer layer (40) on the photoresist sidewalls and on the reflective notch. The conductive layer (34) is etched after the formation of the polymer layer (40) to form a conductive region. The polymer layer (40) reduces an etch rate of the reflective notch and the photoresist sidewall so that the conductive region is formed having no reflective notching etch damage.

Abstract: A laminar thermal imaging medium, and a method of preparing same, are disclosed and include a photohardenable adhesive layer containing a photopolymerizable ethythenically unsaturated monomer, and a barrier layer for providing resistance to the diffusion of the polymerizable monomer therethrough to other layers of the thermal imaging medium. The barrier layer increases substantially the time period before which photohardening of the adhesive layer need be performed, during which time cutting and other manufacturing operations can be performed. The elastic and non-brittle character of the barrier layer provides improved durability of images prepared from the thermal imaging medium.

Abstract: A microporous, photoprocessable, moderately hydrophilic material on which metal can be deposited directly using electroless plating techniques, and its use in preparing printed wiring boards and circuit components.

Abstract: The use of a two layer photoimageable, aqueous processable, resist with an amphoteric binder in the layer laminated directly to a printed circuit board provides a permanent coating with improved adhesion throughout the lamination process while maintaining other desirable properties such as storage stability and circuit encapsulation.

Abstract: A CAD driven photoplotter selectively exposes a photographic imaging layer without affecting the underlying UV sensitive resist on a substrate to make a printed wiring board, for example. The image layer is developed on the board and used as an in situ mask for the underlying UV resist during exposure to UV. After UV exposure, the image layer is peeled off to allow conventional processing of the resist. The in situ mask is preferably applied in the form of a baseless, high contrast, high gamma emulsion layer bonded to the protective cover sheet over the uncured resist. To facilitate application, the emulsion layer is carried by a release paper which is removed before photoplotting. After UV exposure, the cover sheet and emulsion layer are integrally peeled from the resist.

Abstract: A laminar thermal imaging medium, and a method of preparing same, are disclosed and include a photohardenable adhesive layer containing a photopolymerizable ethythenically unsaturated monomer, and a barrier layer for providing resistance to the diffusion of the polymerizable monomer therethrough to other layers of the thermal imaging medium. The barrier layer increases substantially the time period before which photohardening of the adhesive layer need be performed, during which time cutting and other manufacturing operations can be performed. The elastic and non-brittle character of the barrier layer provides improved durability of images prepared from the thermal imaging medium.

Abstract: An image forming method comprising;subjecting an image forming medium containing at least a photosensitive silver halide, an organic silver salt, a reducing agent, a polymerizable polymer precursor and a photopolymerization initiator, to imagewise exposure, followed by heating to produce a light-absorbing organic compound in said image forming medium; and subjecting said image forming medium in which said light-absorbing organic compound has been produced, to polymerization exposure to cause said polymerizable polymer precursor to polymerize; where the light-absorbing characteristics of said light-absorbing organic compound are utilized to suppress the polymerization of said polymerizable polymer precursor at the area at which said light-absorbing organic compound has been produced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal imaging laminar medium, actuatable in response to intense image-forming radiation for production of an image, and including a thermoplastic intermediate layer which, upon separation of the sheet-like or web materials of the laminar medium after thermal exposure, provides surface protection for one of the pair of images obtained thereby.

Abstract: A CAD driven photoplotter selectively exposes a photographic imaging layer without affecting the underlying UV sensitive resist on a substrate to make a printed wiring board, for example. The image layer is developed on the board and used as an in situ mask for the underlying UV resist during exposure to UV. After UV exposure, the image layer is peeled off to allow conventional processing of the resist. The in situ mask is preferably applied in the form of a baseless, high contrast, high gamma emulsion layer bonded to the protective cover sheet over the uncured resist. To facilitate application, the emulsion layer is carried by a release paper which is removed before photoplotting. After UV exposure, the cover sheet and emulsion layer are integrally peeled from the resist.

Abstract: A peel-apart type diffusion transfer unit comprising at least an image receiving layer and a peeling layer on a support wherein the peeling layer essentially consists of (A) a layer containing a copolymer which contains repeating units (monomer units) derived from an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, and (B) a layer which contains a cellulose ester.

Abstract: A method of etching a surface of an article comprises adhering a negative image bearing film, having a first removable transparent support sheet adhered to an exposure side thereof, to a capillary or second film using a first adhesive. The capillary film has a second removable transparent support sheet adhered to a rear side thereof. A development side of the image bearing film is adhered to a front side of the capillary film opposite the rear side. The first removable transparent support sheet is then removed from the exposure side of the image bearing film and the image bearing and capillary films are sprayed with a solvent which creates a negative image in the capillary film corresponding to the negative image in the negative image bearing film. The two films are thus adhered together and adhered to the second removable transparent support sheet as a mask. The mask is dried and then sprayed with a second adhesive.

Abstract: A dry transfer film and a method for preparing transfer characters therefrom in which the transfer film includes a carrier layer, a photosensitized color carrying layer disposed adjacent to the carrier layer and a photosensitized adhesive layer disposed adjacent to the color carrying layer. Both the color carrying and adhesive layers are photosensitive to certain respective wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum so that when exposed to such wavelengths, they become soluble in a respective solvent or solvents. The unexposed portions of these layers remain insoluble in such solvents.

Abstract: A method for patterning a photoresist or insulating layer on a printed wiring board utilizes two photoreactive coatings comprising a photoprocessable ultraviolet (UV) sensitive layer overlaid with a thin, unexposed, undeveloped strip base silver film. A white light x-y plotter, preferably employing an octagonal aperture, is driven directly from a CAD system to expose the film on the board in the desired pattern without affecting the underlying UV sensitive layer. The film is then developed on the board and employed as an in situ mask for the underlying UV layer during exposure of the board to a UV flood lamp. After UV exposure the film is peeled off to allow conventional processing of the selectively polymerized layer. This technique produces high resolution, inspectable onboard masks in full registration using reliable low energy plotters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive material which has a first photosensitive layer formed on a support body such as an aluminum plate, a peel-off layer thereon and a second photosensitive layer formed on the peel-off layer in such a manner that the second layer can be photographically exposed to light and photographically developed independently from the first photosensitive layer and the first photosensitive layer may be subsequently photographically exposed with the picture image formed on the second photosensitive layer acting as a photographic mask. After the first photosensitive layer has been photographically developed, the two photosensitive layers may be used for different purposes, for instance, using the first photosensitive layer as a printing plate and the second photosensitive layer as a photographic film for making duplicate printing plates.

Abstract: A microform article useful for producing composite images has an image-forming layer separate from a photosensitive layer and allows for the subsequent addition, when needed, just prior to imaging, of a second photosensitive, resist layer for an add-on image. The unique construction and method therefor provide a positive or negative first image, with the possibility of either positive or negative additional images, the images not necessarily being in the same phase.