Abstract: A process for producing an image uses an imaging medium comprising an acid-generating layer or phase comprising a mixture of a superacid precursor, a sensitizing dye and a secondary acid generator, and a color-change layer comprising an image dye. The sensitizing dye has a unprotonated form and a protonated form, the protonated form having substantially greater substantial absorption in a first wavelength range than the unprotonated form. The superacid precursor is capable of being decomposed to produce superacid by radiation in a second wavelength range, but is not, in the absence of the sensitizing dye, capable of being decomposed by radiation in the first wavelength range. The secondary acid generator is capable of acid-catalyzed thermal decomposition by unbuffered superacid to form a second acid.

Abstract: A rewritable photochromic optical disc which comprises a photochromic recording layer made of a diaryl ethene derivative capable of assuming first to third states, the first state with a first absorption band transforming into the second state with a second absorption band in response to light of a first wavelength, the second state transforming into the first state in response to light of a second wavelength in said second absorption band, the fist state transforming into the third state with a third absorption band in response to light of a third wavelength, and the third state transforming into the first state in response to light of a fourth wavelength in said third absorption band.

Abstract: A slide blank comprises a support; a mask layer having a substantially transparent central portion and a non-transparent peripheral portion surrounding the central portion; and an imageable layer which is not substantially photosensitive but is imageable to form an image which can be viewed in transmission. The support, mask layer and imageable layer are secured together so that the support and the imageable layer extend across essentially the entire transparent central portion of the mask layer, at least the portion of the support adjacent the central portion of the mask layer being substantially transparent. This slide blank can be imaged to produce a ready-mounted slide.

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: An infra-red sensitive acid-generating medium comprises a binder, an iodonium salt; and a squarylium dye capable of absorbing infra-red radiation having a wavelength within the range of about 700 to about 1200 nm, the dye having a squarylium ring the 1- and 3-positions of which are each connected, via a single sp.sup.2 carbon atom, to a pyrylium, thiopyrylium, benzpyrylium or benzthiopyrylium nucleus, at least one of the sp.sup.2 carbon atoms having a hydrogen atom attached thereto, and the 2-position of the squarylium ring bearing an O.sup.-, amino or substituted amino, or sulfonamido group.

Abstract: A light-sensitive heat-sensitive recording material is disclosed, which contains microcapsules resulting from a solution containing at least one component capable of undergoing color development or achromatization as a core material of the microcapsules and a volatile solvent which has a water solubility of 10% by volume or less and has a low boiling point such that it volatilizes during a process for preparing said light-sensitive heat-sensitive recording material leaving substantially no trace of the solvent in the resulting recording material. As the microcapsules, ones having a mean particle size of 2 .mu.m or less are preferred, and ones prepared using a modified gelatin as a protective colloid are also preferred. Further, as the support of the light-sensitive heat-sensitive recording material, a polyester support filled with a white pigment can preferably be used.

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: Acid can be generated by exposing a superacid precursor to actinic radiation effective to generate superacid from the superacid precursor and heating the superacid in admixture with a squaric acid derivative in which there is bonded to the squaric acid ring, via an oxygen atom, an alkyl or alkylene group, a partially hydrogenated aryl or arylene group, or an aralkyl group. The superacid catalyzes decomposition of the squaric acid derivative, thus increasing the quantity of strong acid present in the medium. The resultant acid can be used to effect a color change in an acid-sensitive material, so providing an imaging process.

Abstract: Blends of poly(caprolactone) and poly(vinyl chloride) have been found to have good dye permeability. They have been incorporated into photothermographic constructions as barrier interlayers and dye-receiving layers.

Abstract: Acid can be generated by exposing a mixture of a superacid precursor and a dye to actinic radiation of a first wavelength which does not, in the absence of the dye, cause decomposition of the superacid precursor to form the corresponding superacid, thereby causing absorption of the actinic radiation and decomposition of part of the superacid precursor, with formation of a protonated product derived from the dye, then irradiating the mixture with actinic radiation of a second wavelength, thereby causing decomposition of part of the remaining superacid precursor, with formation of free superacid. Preferably, following these irradiations, the imaging medium is heated while the superacid is admixed with a secondary acid generator capable of being thermally decomposed to form a second acid, the thermal decomposition of the secondary acid generator being catalyzed by the presence of the superacid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recording/reproducing method for an optical recording medium comprising a step of heating a recording layer containing a photochromic material and a polymer which are so combined with each other that a photostationary state attained upon irradiation with light of a specific wavelength is varied with temperatures, and a step of applying the light of a specific wavelength to the heated recording layer for bringing the same into a photostationary state and recording information. In order to reproduce the information, a portion of the recording layer which is in a photostationary state is selectively heated, and reproducing light is applied to reproduce recorded and unrecorded states.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is produced using an imaging medium having a lenticular screen, the lenticles of the screen dividing the opposed surface of the imaging medium into a plurality of elongate image areas, the imaging medium having on the opposed side thereof a radiation-sensitive layer, the radiation-sensitive layer comprising a color-forming composition adapted to undergo a change of color upon increase in the temperature of the radiation-sensitive layer above a color-forming temperature for a color-forming time.

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: A manufacturing process to produce a controllable integral membrane (28) in sheet-like photosensitive laminates (20), said photosensitive laminate being adapted to adhere to the surface to be etched (36). By the use of the present invention the revealed image (33) washes out without detail roots leaving the substrate (22), transfers easily, even if it is very fine, and can be etched on said surface to be etched very nicely.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of a crystalline diacetylene cinnamate monomer ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of 10,12-docosadiyndioic acid monomer; said monomer having the structure ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a blue light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A photographic film comprises an elongated light-sensitive strip having a longitudinal series of similar size rectangular exposure areas whose proportion of the width to the height is less than 2:1. Each exposure area is pre-exposed along a top-most portion and/or a bottom-most portion to limit the useable size of each exposure area during picture-taking to one whose proportion of the width to the height is at least 2:1. Thus, the useable size of each exposure area provides a panorama-like image format.

Abstract: An improved optical memory device comprising a substrate and a plurality of optical memory layers made of a photochromic material and formed over the substrate, the plurality of optical memory layers being laminated to each other through a heat conductive transparent film, which is adaptable for high density and/or high capacity recording of information.

Abstract: A pattern forming method, comprising the steps of providing a resist film on a substrate; providing a photosensitive film containing a photosensitive diazonium salt on the resist film; and then subjecting the resultant composite to pattern exposure by use of a light to which both of the resist film and the photosensitive diazonium salt are sensitive, can employ a composition for pattern formation which comprises a photosensitive diazonium salt, a resin binder and a solvent. By this method, a minute pattern of 1 .mu.m or less can be formed, utilizing effectively the UV-ray exposure technique of the prior art, with good dimensional precision and stability.

Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus produces a film of photohardened composition by exposing a layer of photohardenable composition to actinic radiation through a surface of a barrier transparent to the radiation and in contact with the composition at an interface therewith. An inhibition layer is created within the photohardenable composition in contact with the interface that inhibits photohardening of the composition within the inhibition layer during exposure, thereby precluding adhesion of any photohardened composition to the barrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a supported modulating film having a permanent orange yellow imaged layer of the homopolymer of crystralline 5,7-dodecadiyn-1,12-bis(isopropyl carbamate) monomer having the structure ##STR1## and to the use of said film as a blue light modulator in the production of master printing plates or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A recording and readout method for a multi-layer recording film including providing a multi-layer recording film comprising a laminate of plural recording films having a light absorption band in a predetermined wavelength region and having an intrinsic absorption peak; and supplying to the multi-layer recording film a light having a wavelength which is substantially the same as that of the absorption peak of each recording film to effect recording and readout; wherein provided that the light absorption band of the recording film having the absorption peak on the longer wavelength side selected from adjacent absorption peaks is present in a wave length region which is shorter than the absorption peak wavelength on the shorter wavelength side; the recording film having the absorption peak on the shorter wavelength side is caused to have an absorbance which is higher than the absorbance of the recording film having the absorption peak on the longer wavelength side at the absorption peak wavelength on the shorter

Abstract: A soft edge mask comprises a panel having an opaque area forming a mask portion and defined by a clearly focussed edge of a predetermined shape, a transparent area forming a clear portion defined by a clearly focussed edge of the same said predetermined shape, and a margin portion extending between the opaque portion and the clear portion, the margin portion having a light transmissability varying progressively from the edge of the mask portion to the edge of the clear portion, and, at each position between the mask portion and the clear portion, being clearly focussed and having the same said predetermined shape.

Abstract: Disclosed are photothermographic constructions containing at least a plurality of light-sensitive layers which are separated by barrier layers composed of a polymer, e.g., ethyl cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate, having an energy activation of permeability (E.sub.p) of less than about 30 kJ/mole. The barrier layers must be substantially insoluble in the light sensitive layers and vice versa. Each light sensitive layer contains a nitrate salt, leuco dye, binder, and optionally, a photoinitiator. The photothermographic construction is capable of effectively reproducing full color images.

Abstract: A color image forming process wherein images are formed by reaction of cyan, magenta and yellow color precursors with a developer material, the reaction is image-wise controlled by image-wise exposure of a photosensitive composition encapsulated in pressure rupturable capsules, image-wise exposure of the photosensitive composition and rupture of the capsules releases the color precursor for patterned reaction with the developer material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive composition for direct dry negative color printing composition. The photosensitive composition comprises a binder containing a plurality of grains of a semiconductor material, each grain having adsorbed on its surface one of three different complexes of spiropyran with a metal salt, each complex being sensitive to a different wavelength of light, a cross-linkable polymer and free radical initiator. The composition and process enables photofinishing or printing from a negative.

Abstract: A silver halide photosensitive material comprising a support having thereon a layer containing (a) an organic compound which releases a free radical on contact with light rays and (b) a compound which undergoes a change in the absorption spectrum due to the action of the released free radical.

Abstract: Multi-color recording materials where the color forming layers are established on the same side of the support are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process of mixing a dispersion comprising a substantially crystalline, image receptive polyacetylenic compound in an aqueous non-solvating binder solutions with an effective ripening amount of an organic liquid boiling above 30.degree. C. which is completely miscible with water at least in a proportion of 1:2 part per parts and in which said polyacetylene is soluble for a time and at an elevated temperature sufficient to effect crystalline growth and improved sensitivity to imaging by exposure to a source of radiation.

Abstract: A multicolor heat-sensitive recording material which comprises a transparent support having two or more of color-producing unit layers differing in hue of the produced color in such a situation that at least one unit layer is provided on each side of the support, wherein at least one color-producing unit layer is essentially transparent, namely, Haze % of said transparent layer is less than 40% and a multicolor heat-sensitive recording material further provided a transparent protective layer on the outermost color producing unit layer are disclosed.

Abstract: A photosensitive recording medium having a multiplicity of microcapsules formed on a substrate, and a developer material, each microcapsule having a photosensitive resin and a chromogenic material which reacts with the developer layer to form a colored image spot. The microcapsules comprising a plurality of microcapsule groups which are sensitive to radiations having different wavelength bands, or which are sensitive to different intensities of the radiation. An image recording system is provided with an illuminating device for generating radiations of different wavelengths falling within the wavelength bands of the microcapsule groups, or a radiation of variable intensity. The recording system has a selector for selecting at least one of the radiations of the different wavelengths, or one of the intensity levels of the radiation, in order to adjust the contrast of the images formed on the medium, with respect to non-image areas on the medium.

Abstract: An optical recording medium which comprises a substrate and a recording layer of at least two J-aggregates of dyes formed on the substrate is described. The dyes may be photochromic dyes or other types of dyes capable of forming the aggregates which have narrower absorption spectral ranges than original dyes. A plurality of information bits can be written in the recording layer by irradiation of one laser beam spot. The recording layer is formed by an LB film method or a method capable of fluidizing a dye solution in a direction horizontal to the substrate surface. A recording method using the medium is also described.

Abstract: A color image forming process wherein images are formed by reaction of cyan, magenta and yellow color precursors with a developer material, the reaction is image-wise controlled by image-wise exposure of a photosensitive composition encapsulated in pressure rupturable capsules, image-wise exposure of the photosensitive composition and rupture of the capsules releases the color precursor for patterned reaction with the developer material.

Abstract: A process for producing a continuous tone color image comprising providing a light sensitive photographic element comprising a substrate bearing three imaging media coated thereon, said imaging media comprising:(1) an imaging medium capable of forming a yellow image upon imagewise exposure and processing,(2) an imaging medium capable of forming a magenta image upon imagewise exposure and processing,(3) an imaging medium capable of forming a cyan image upon imagewise exposure and processing,each imaging medium having a maximum spectral sensitivity at a wavelength different from that of the maximum spectral sensitivity of the other imaging media within the range 550 to 900 nm, the sensitivities at the wavelength of maximum spectral sensitivity of the media decreasing in order from the medium of shortest wavelength maximum spectral sensitivity to the medium of longest wavelength maximum spectral sensitivity, the difference in said sensitivities between the media of shortest and longest wavelength maximum spectra

Abstract: A contrast mask for a transparent photographic original may be formed by illuminating a photochromic body (11,41) through the original with white light. Preferably the photochromic body (11,41) is optically neutral (grey) and contains a silver halide as a photochromically active substance. Preferably the mask-forming exposure is performed separately from the photographic exposure of a recording medium through the original and the mask, by a different light source (27). The optical contrast range of the mask can be varied in response to the optical contrast range of the original by varying the amount of the mask-forming exposure. This variation is preferably effected by varying the number of flashes of the light source (27).The photochromic body is preferably incorporated in the holder (1,33) for the transparent original.Photographic reproduction apparatus may include an automatic densitometer, the output of which controls the amount of the mask-forming exposure.

Abstract: A thermal imaging method is provided which employs as color-forming co-reactants, (a) a substantially colorless di- or triarylmethane compound possessing on the meso carbon atom within its triarylmethane structure an aryl group substituted in the ortho position with a nucleophilic moiety which is ring-closed on the meso carbon atom and (b) an electrophilic reagent which upon heating and contacting said di- or triarylmethane compound undergoes a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction with the nucleophilic moiety to form a colored, ring-opened di- or triarylmethane compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive composition for direct positive color photography. The photosensitive composition comprises a binder containing a plurality of grains of a semiconductor material, each grain having adsorbed on its surface one of three different complexes of spiropyran with a metal salt, each complex being sensitive to a different wavelength of light, a cross-linkable polymer and a free radical initiator. The photographic composition provides a non-silver photographic process based on the photo-decomposition of the metal-spiropyran complex absorbed on the grains of semiconductor material.

Abstract: An image receptive film comprising a surface layer containing a photosensitive polyacetylenic compound having at least two acetylenic linkages in a conjugated system is subjected to a plurality of radiant energy exposures each limited to a divisible portion of the image to be transmitted and at least each of 2 exposures effected at a distinctive dosage level, to develop exposed discrete portions in its respective divided portion to a characteristic color distinguishable from that developed in the surface layer by any other exposure at a different dosage level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered image receptive film developed in distinguishable colors by kinetic energy imparted by radiant beam exposure which comprises (a) a first imaging layer composed of an aliphatic, polymeric binder containing from about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of labile halogen, said binder capable of dehydrohalogenation at address points of radiant energy exposure and having dispersed therein a first polyphenylmethane compound capable of forming a first halide salt dye upon generation of hydrogen halide from said binder; (b) a second imaging layer similar to said first imaging layer and contiguously disposed below said first imaging layer, containing a second and distinct polyphenylmethane compound capable of forming a halide salt dye of a color distinguishable from that of said first halide salt dye and (c) a conductive support for layers (a) and (b).

Abstract: The image of an object with opaque and transparent regions having a contrast lens than the contrast threshold of a layer of photoresist when light of a predetermined wavelength to which the photoresist is sensitive is passed through the object and onto the layer of photoresist is enhanced in contrast by the provision of a contrast enhancing layer contiguous to the surface of the photoresist to a value above the contrast threshold of the photoresist. The contrast enhancing layer is constituted of an aryl nitrone compound mixed with a suitable binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered image receptive film capable of being developed in distinguishable colors by kinetic energy imparted by radiant beam exposure which comprises (a) a first imaging layer composed of an aliphatic, polymeric binder containing from about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of labile halogen, said binder capable of dehydrohalogenation at address points of radiant energy exposure and having dispersed therein a leuco base polyphenylmethane compound capable of forming a halide salt dye as a first color upon generation of hydrogen halide from said binder; (b) a separate imaging layer composed of a base film containing a photosensitive polyacetylenic compound having at least two acetylenic linkages in a conjugated system and contiguously disposed below said first imaging layer capable of forming a dye of a color distinguishable from that of said halide salt dye and (c) a conductive support for layers (a) and (b).

Abstract: Photolithographic methods employing a photoresist layer and a contrast enhancing photobleachable layer deposited thereon have certain disadvantages including compatibility and the tendency toward scum formation during stripping of the photobleachable layer. These problems are alleviated by the deposition of an aqueous alkali-soluble polymeric barrier layer such as poly(vinyl alcohol), which is removed simultaneously with the alkaline development step for the photoresist. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric binder for the photobleachable layer is also water-soluble and is also removed simultaneously with development.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for non-impact printing of single and multi-ply business form assemblies, utilizing an electromagnetic radiation reactant chemical mixture which is selectively coated in one or more plies of the assemblies causing the plies to form images when selectively heated by the action of a controlled source by passing the radiation, such as microwave energy, through the business form assemblies.

Abstract: A non-silver light-sensitive composition according to the invention consists of the following components, in percent by weight;______________________________________ a hydroxyderivative of naphthalene 1 to 10 an aromatic amine 29 to 60 saturated halogenated hydrocarbon 35 to 29 a polymeric binder 35 to 1. ______________________________________The composition of the present invention makes it possible to produce light-sensitive layers which have an increased sensitivity (2.times.10.sup.-4 J/cm.sup.2 at 365 nm) and a low optical fog density (D. below 0.05).

Abstract: Color filter arrays for color imaging devices are disclosed. The arrays are formed in a single layer of a transparent binder containing at least one cationic photo-bleachable dye. The layer has a thickness less than 10 microns, and the dye is present in the layer in an amount sufficient to impart a density to the layer of at least about 0.5 in that portion of the spectrum in which it selectively absorbs. A method of making the arrays is also disclosed which includes the steps of (1) forming a layer of a transparent binder containing the photo-bleachable dye or dyes and a sensitizer; (2) exposing the layer to a pattern which represents a set of filter elements so as to photo-bleach the photo-bleachable dye; and (3) fixing the layer by leaching the sensitizer from the layer. In particularly preferred embodiments, the dyes are chosen so that those which absorb at longer wavelengths have a lower bleaching efficiency than those which absorb at shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive element is disclosed including a radiation-sensitive layer comprised of a cobalt(III)complex and a photoreductant. A process is disclosed in which the photoreductant is converted to a reducing agent by exposure to electromagnetic radiation longer than 300 nanometers. The reducing agent is then reacted with a cobalt(III)complex. Images can be recorded directly within the radiation-sensitive layer or in a separate image-recording element or layer by use of the residual cobalt(III)complex not exposed or one or more of the reaction products produced by exposure. By using the ammonia liberated from ammine ligand containing cobalt(III)complexes on exposure in combination with imagewise and uniform exposures, positive or negative images can be formed in diazo image-recording layers or elements associated with the radiation-sensitive layer. By the selection of amine-responsive reducing agent precursors, the amines released by the cobalt(III)complexes cause an amplified image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for producing color transparencies on a recording element comprising an additive color filter screen having disposed thereon a coating of a visible light-transmissive, invisible light-sensitive, silverless material, preferably a diazo or vesicular material. The method comprises the steps of imagewise exposing a panchromatic auxiliary layer, e.g. a photoconductive layer, to a multicolored object, such exposure being made through the recording element of the invention. This step acts to produce in the auxiliary layer a monochrome image containing color image information of the multicolored object. Next, the silverless material is exposed to invisible actinic radiation, such exposure being made through the monochrome image formed in or on the panchromatic auxiliary layer. This step serves to transfer the color image information from the auxiliary layer to the silverless layer of the recording element.

Abstract: A photoreactive coating composition, particularly suited for use in a lithographic plate, is characterized by both reduced exposure time requirements and an intense visual image which is immediately produced upon exposure of the composition to light permitting visual inspection during imaging. The photoreactive composition has a diazo resin layer and an overlayer which includes a photochromic compound (e.g. an indolinobenzospiropyran compound) and a light sensitive polymer selected from the group cinnamoylated and acrylated photopolymer resins.