Abstract: A silver halide color photosensitive material, having, on a transparent support, at least one each of yellow-, cyan-, and magenta-color-forming photosensitive silver halide emulsion layers, and photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing a coupler that forms a dye having its absorption maximum at a wavelength longer than 730 nm upon reaction with an oxidized product of a developing agent, wherein the yellow-color-forming photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer contains photosensitive silver halide grains having an average grain size of 0.4 ?m or below and a silver chloride content of 95 mole % or above based on total silver in the grains, and wherein the photosensitive silver halide grains include photosensitive silver halide grains whose iodide ion concentrations have their maxima at grain surfaces and decrease gradually toward the interior of the grains; and a method of processing a silver halide color photosensitive material for use in film screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic material comprising polymer and at least one polychromic substance, wherein the polychromic substance is a functionalised diacetylene having the formula which has the general structure: X—C?C—C?C—Y—(CO)n-QZ wherein X is H or alkyl, Y is a divalent alkylene group, Q is O, S or NR, R is H or alkyl, and Z is alkyl, and n is 0 or 1. The present invention further relates to a method of processing thermoplastic material to form a plastic article, wherein the method comprises the step of processing the thermoplastic material at a temperature greater than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polymer and at least one polychromic substance as defined above; and further comprising the step of irradiating the plastic article to colour at least a region of the plastic article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including on a support a photosensitive layer that contains a polymerizable composition containing a specific binder polymer having a repeating unit of formula (I), an infrared absorbent, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a linking group which includes two or more atoms selected from a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom and has a number of atoms of 2 to 82; A represents an oxygen atom or —NR3— in which R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 1 to 5. The invention also provides a planographic printing plate precursor provided with a specific photosensitive layer with respect to an alkaline developer.

Abstract: A method of making micro-structure devices by coating a first layer of resist (12) on a substrate (10). A pattern is created on the substrate by radiation induced thermal removal of the resist.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support and an image-recording layer containing at least one infrared absorbing agent of a cyanine dye in which a HOMO energy level of each of substituents present on both terminal nitrogen atoms is ?10.0 eV or higher.

Abstract: Positive-working imageable elements comprise a radiation absorbing compound and inner and outer layers on a substrate having a hydrophilic surface. The inner layer comprises a specific polymeric binder represented by Structure (I): -(A)w-(B)x-(C)y-(D)z-??(I) wherein A represents recurring units derived from one or more N-alkoxymethyl (alkyl)acrylamides or alkoxymethyl (alkyl)acrylates, B represents recurring units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers having a pendant cyano group, C represents recurring units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers having one or more carboxy, sulfonic acid, or phosphate groups, D represents recurring units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers other than those represented by A, B, and C, w is from about 3 to about 80 weight %, x is from about 10 to about 85 weight %, y is from about 2 to about 80 weight %, and z is from about 10 to about 85 weight %.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet provided with at least one receptor layer on a support, wherein the composition comprises a latex polymer containing a repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by formula (1); and a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet prepared by using the coating composition: wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a methyl group; L1 represents a divalent linking group; R2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may be further substituted; n represents an integer of 1 to 40; Z1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group; and when n is 2 or more, R2s may be the same or different.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support; and a photosensitive layer containing a binder polymer containing a positively charged nitrogen atom in at least one of a main chain and a side chain of the binder polymer, a compound containing an ethylenically unsubstituted bond; and a radical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet provided with at least one receptor layer on a support, wherein the receptor layer has a polymer containing a repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by formula (1); and a coating composition for forming the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet: wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a methyl group; L1 represents a divalent linking group; R2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may be further substituted; n represents an integer of 1 to 40; Z1 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms which may be further substituted; and when n is 2 or more, R2s may be the same or different.

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements that can be imaged using infrared radiation comprise an imageable layer and a protective overcoat on a hydrophilic substrate. The imageable layer includes an IR-sensitive cyanine dye. The protective overcoat predominantly comprises one or more poly(vinyl alcohol) resins, each of which has a hydrolysis level of 85% or less. The use of this particular overcoat composition used in combination with the IR-sensitive cyanine dye provides improved tolerance to fogging by white light while maintaining desired imaging speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerizable composition comprising (A) a compound represented by the following formula (I), (B) an infrared absorbent, and (C) a compound having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond, and a negative planographic printing plate precursor having a recording layer containing the polymerizable composition. In the formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group; and X? represents an anion.

Abstract: Multilayered resist structures including bilayer and top surface imaging which utilize tuned underlayers functioning as ARCs, planarizing layers, and etch resistant hard masks whose properties such as optical, chemical and physical properties are tailored to give a multilayer resist structure exhibiting high resolution, residue free lithography and methods of preparing these materials.

Abstract: Multilayered resist structures including bilayer and top surface imaging which utilize tuned underlayers functioning as ARCs, planarizing layers, and etch resistant hard masks whose properties such as optical, chemical and physical properties are tailored to give a multilayer resist structure exhibiting high resolution, residue free lithography and methods of preparing these materials.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition containing an alkali soluble resin, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, a near infrared absorbing dye, a compound containing a halomethyl group and a compound containing an organoboron anion, wherein the alkali soluble resin is an acryl resin having one or more pendant groups in which both terminals of a diol compound have been blocked with isophorone diisocyanates and then (meth)acryloyl has been added. Also provided is an image forming material having a substrate, and a photosensitive layer formed by the photosensitive resin composition on the substrate, as well as an image forming method.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: a polyurethane resin synthesized by using a compound represented by the following formula (I) as one of starting materials; a photopolymerization or thermal polymerization initiator; and an addition-polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond: wherein X represents a tri- or higher valent atom; R1 and R2 each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group optionally having a substituent, provided that R1 and R2 do not represent a single bond at a same time; A represents a straight chain linking group; and n is an integer of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: An initiator composition and infrared radiation-sensitive composition include an onium cation and a boron-containing anion as well as a metallocene. These compositions can be used to provide negative-working imageable elements that can be imaged and developed to provide lithographic printing plates that have desired imaging speed, excellent run length, and shelf life without the need for a post-exposure baking step and oxygen barrier overcoat.

Abstract: A polymer having a polymerizable group and an alkyleneoxy groups on side chains thereof, and a polymerizable composition containing the polymer. The polymerizable composition preferably contains a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. Also provided is a planographic printing plate precursor having a polymerizable layer on a hydrophilic support, the polymerizable layer containing a polymer having a polymerizable on a side chain thereof. The planographic printing plate precursor can form an image without being subjected to an alkali development. An undercoat layer containing a specific copolymer may be provided between the support and the photopolymerizable layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming method comprising the steps of exposing imagewisely an image forming material having a photosensitive layer comprising an infrared absorbing agent, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound on a substrate to overlapping infrared beams. The solubility of the photosensitive layer in an alkali developing solution reduces upon exposure to light of wavelengths in the range of 750 nm to 1400 nm. The exposed image forming material is developed, and the infrared beam diameter used in light exposure is 20 ?m or less, and the overlapping coefficient is 0.8 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to negative-working imageable elements that can be used for the manufacture of printing plates. These imageable elements can be developed on on-press by the action of a lithographic printing ink used in combination with either water or a fountain solution. The imageable elements comprise an imageable layer that is not removable in water or fountain solution alone. The imageable layer includes a free radically polymerizable compound, a free radical initiator composition, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder comprising poly(alkylene oxide) pendant groups, and preferably additionally pendant cyano groups.

Abstract: Compositions and systems for production of color images with a fluoran leuco dye having a latent developer are disclosed and described. A color forming composition or composite can include a polymer matrix, a thermally modifiable fluoran leuco dye having a latent developer attached thereto, and a radiation absorber. The thermally modifiable fluoran leuco dye can be developable upon the color forming composition being contacted with electromagnetic radiation which causes the radiation absorber to become energized, so that the energized radiation absorber causes the latent developer to undergo rearrangement to produce an intermediate dye form having a phenolic substituent. The intermediate dye can then undergo an acid catalyzed ring opening to produce a colored dye form.

Abstract: Single- and multi-layer positive-working imageable elements include an ink receptive outer layer includes a primary polymeric binder that is a poly(vinyl phenol) or a phenolic polymer having certain acidic groups. The use of this type of polymeric binder makes the imaged elements developable in low pH (11 or less) alkaline developers.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive medium comprises hydrophilic polymer particles, the particles comprising a thermally softenable hydrophobic polymer, a hydrophilic polymer and a bonding compound capable of chemically bonding to the hydrophobic polymer and to the hydrophilic polymer. The radiation-sensitive medium further may comprise a substance capable of converting radiation into heat. The radiation-sensitive medium is aqueous-ineluable when coated and dried, and becomes hydrophobic under the action of heat. The polymer particles are made by polymerization of at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one bonding compound in the presence of the hydrophilic polymer. The radiation-sensitive medium may be provided as a coatable composition to be applied to substrates to form a processless radiation-imageable lithographic printing precursor, which may further be provided with an aqueous eluable hydrophilic overcoat.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a) an untreated or pretreated substrate and b) a radiation-sensitive coating comprising: (i) at least one polymeric binder soluble or swellable in aqueous alkaline developers; (ii) at least one free-radical polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer comprising at least one non-aromatic C—C double bond and at least one SH group in the molecule; and (iii) a radiation-sensitive initiator or initiator system for free-radical polymerization, wherein component (ii) has the formula (I) wherein each R1a, R1b and R1c is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, aryl, halogen, CN and COOR1d, wherein R1d is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C2-C8 alkynyl or aryl; and Z is an aliphatic, heterocyclic or heteroaromatic spacer or a combination of two or more thereof, wherein Z can optionally comprise one or more additional SH groups and/or one or more additional non-aromatic C—C double bonds; and each Z1 is independently selected from a single bond, formulae (Ia),

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprising: a hydrophilic support; and a photosensitive layer containing a polymerization initiator, a chain transfer agent, a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a polymer binder having a crosslinkable group in a side chain, wherein the chain transfer agent is a thiol compound represented by the following formula (I): in which R represents an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent; and A represents an atomic group necessary for forming a 5-membered or 6-membered hetero ring containing a carbon atom together with the N?C—N linkage, and A may have a substituent.

Abstract: Phosphono-substituted siloxanes suitable as interlayer material in lithographic substrates and for post-treating developed lithographic printing plates, obtainable by reacting (a) a first organosilicon compound of the general formula (I) and (b) a second organosilicon compound of the general formula (II).

Abstract: An image-recording materials containing (A) a compound having a specific partial structure and at least one group selected from an acid group having a pKa of 11 or less, the derivative of the acid group and a group capable of generating the acid group, a lithographic printing plate precursor having an image-recording layer containing the compound (A), and a lithographic printing method using the lithographic printing plate precursor, are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing resolution of a chemically amplified photoresist. A film comprising a photoacid generator and a polymer comprising functional groups bonded to protecting moieties is deposited on a substrate. The film is exposed to patterned radiation. The patterned radiation results in protonation of a portion of the functional groups and the formation of a latent image within the film. The bonds between the protonated functional groups and the protecting moieties are selectively excited with non-thermal energy having a wavelength spectrum that resonantly cleaves the bonds.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel aminium, diimonium, and polymethine borate dyes that have at least one absorption maximum in the infrared spectral region between about 700 and 2000 nm and that are useful as infrared absorbers, the anionic borate moiety having the formula: [BXaYb]?, in which a and b are integers with a ranging from 0 to 3 and b ranging from 1 to 4 and a+b=4; X, which may be identical or different, are each a halogen atom, an OH functional group, or a C1 to C20 alkyl or alicyclic radical, and Y, which may be identical or different, are each a phenyl radical, at least one Y substituted by at least one element or electron-withdrawing substituent such as a perfluoroalkyl group, or by one or more halogen atoms, or an aryl radical containing at least two aromatic ring members, which may also be further substituted. Such dyes may be incorporated into films or bulk materials to form light filters for electromagnetic radiation, including laser radiation.

Abstract: An image formation method comprising exposing a photothermographic material 10 having an image-forming layer and a back layer with a light having a wavelength of 700-850 nm and subjecting it to development in a heat development apparatus provided with a preheating section A, a heat development section B and a gradual cooling section C, wherein the photothermographic material 10 has at least one coated layer obtained by applying a coating solution containing 20 weight % or more of an organic solvent, and the heat development section B is provided with heating members 15 on image-forming layer side 10a and back layer side 10b and transportation rollers only on the image-forming layer side 10a with respect to the photothermographic material 10 to be transported in the apparatus. There is provided an image formation method utilizing a photothermographic material, which can form images showing less generation of density unevenness, high contrast and high maximum density without causing physical deformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including a support and a positive recording layer formed on the support and containing: (A) a polymer having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1), (B) a photo-thermal converting agent, and (C) an amino compound having a methylol group or an alkoxymethyl group; and a positive recording layer whose solubility in an alkaline developer is improved by exposure to light or by heating. In general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group or a cyclic group, x represents 0 or 1, and A represents a bivalent bonding group. According to the invention, a positive planographic printing plate precursor for use with infrared lasers having excellent chemical resistance and wide image development latitude can be obtained.

Abstract: A novel nonsolvate-form crystal of polymethine compound is provided which has good stability in solution, shows a high gram extinction coefficient, is excellent in storage stability, is easy to handle and is highly sensitive to general-purpose semiconductor lasers. Thus is provided a nonsolvate-form crystal of polymethine compound of the formula (I) given below as well as a process for producing the nonsolvate-form crystal of polymethine compound of formula (I) which comprises reacting a polymethine ether compound of the formula (II) given below with hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid. (In the above formula, X represents Cl or Br.) (In the above formula, R represents an alkyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group or an optionally substituted aryl group.

Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and (ii) a coating provided thereon which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles; exposing the coating to heat, thereby inducing coalescence of the thermoplastic polymer particles at exposed areas of the coating; and developing the precursor by applying a gum solution to the coating, thereby removing non-exposed areas of the coating from the support. According to the above method, the plate precursor can be developed and gummed in a single step.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a planographic printing plate material as well as a printing method in which excellent properties of on-press development, exposure image visualization, scratch resistance, background contamination resistance, and printing durability are exhibited. Disclosed is a planographic printing plate material possessing a hydrophilic layer and an image formation layer provided on a plastic support, wherein the image formation layer contains polyolefin wax having a melting point of 105-120° C. and a melt viscosity of 1-1200 mPa·s, the hydrophilic layer contains spherical silica particles having a particle diameter of 5.0-7.0 ?m, and a content ratio of the spherical silica particles having a particle diameter of 5.0-7.0 ?m is not less than 60% by volume, based on a total volume of particles having a particle diameter of 2-10 ?m contained in the hydrophilic layer.

Abstract: A presensitized lithographic plate comprises a support and a hydrophilic image-recording layer. The hydrophilic image-recording layer contains a hydrophilic polymer and an agent capable of converting hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the agent is heated. The hydrophilic polymer comprises a main chain and branched chains. Each of the branched chain comprises a hydrophilic chain having a molecular weight in the range of 200 to 1,000,000. A hydrophilic substrate and a lithographic printing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor having a support, a photosensitive layer and a protective layer. The photosensitive layer contains at least an infrared absorbing agent, a polymerization initiating agent, a polymerizable compound and a binder polymer having repeating units represented by the following Formula (i). Further, the protective layer contains at least an inorganic lamellar compound. In Formula (i), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a connecting group having two or more types of atom selected from the group consisting of a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, and a sulfur atom and having 2 to 82 atoms in total; A represents an oxygen atom or —NR3—, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n is an integer of 1 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides microparticles that create permanent tissue markings, such as tattoos, designed in advance for change and/or removal on demand, as well as methods for implanting the microparticles in tissue and changing and/or removing the resulting markings. Colored microparticles are constructed with specific electromagnetic absorption and/or structural properties that facilitate changing and/or removing tissue markings made using the microparticles by applying specific energy (such as electromagnetic radiation from a laser or flash-lamp) to the tissue marking site.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor having a good press life with a practical energy amount, which can be on-press developed without passing through a development processing step after recording an image by a laser of emitting an infrared ray, is provided, which is a lithographic printing plate precursor capable of performing a development and printing by loading on a printing press after imagewise exposure and supplying an oily ink and an aqueous component, the lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support and an image recording layer, wherein the image recording layer comprises (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) a polymerizable monomer, (C) a binder polymer, and (D) a crosslinked resin particle having a reactive group or (F) a microcapsule containing a polymerizable monomer in the capsule wall, and the image recording layer is imagewise polymerization-curable upon irradiation of actinic ray.

Abstract: A method of on-press developing a laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The exposure and development are performed with the plate under lightings that contain no or substantially no radiation below a wavelength selected from 400 to 650 nm, or in the dark or substantially dark.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises a hydrophilic support and an oleophilic coating comprising an infrared absorbing agent and a developer soluble polymer which comprises a phenolic monomeric unit wherein the phenyl group of the phenolic monomeric unit is substituted by a group Q, wherein Q has the structure and is covalently linked to a carbon atom of the phenyl group and wherein L1, L2 and L3 are linking groups, a, b and c are 0 or 1, and T1, T2 and T3 are terminal groups. The polymer, substituted by the group Q, increases the chemical resistance of the coating.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor, including: a substrate; a photosensitive layer containing an IR absorber, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound and a binder polymer; and a protective layer containing a UV absorber, disposed in this order. The photosensitive layer exhibits reduction in solubility in an alkaline developing solution upon being exposed to light having a wavelength of 750 nm to 1400 nm.

Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate is disclosed which comprises the steps of: (i) providing a negative-working, heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and a coating provided thereon, the coating comprising an image-recording layer which comprises hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles and a hydrophilic binder, wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle size in the range from 45 nm to 63 nm, and wherein the amount of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles in the image-recording layer is at least 70% by weight relative to the image-recording layer; (ii) exposing the coating to heat or infrared light, thereby inducing coalescence of the thermoplastic polymer particles at exposed areas of the coating; (iii) developing the precursor by applying an aqueous alkaline solution, thereby removing non-exposed areas of the coating from the su

Abstract: A laser imageable flexographic printing plate precursor comprises a thermoset elastomeric upper layer that is at least partially ablatable and comprises a radiation sensitive compound, and a non-ablatable elastomeric underlayer. This flexographic printing plate precursor can be imaged to provide a printing plate that is primarily useful for “high quality” printing because the resulting relief image is generally not greater than 600 ?m and has an extremely even “floor”. The imaged flexographic printing plate also can have a high visual contrast between the imaged areas and the non-imaged background areas.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: (A) a compound which causes at least one of decarboxylation and dehydration by heat; (B) a radical initiator; (C) a compound having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond; and (D) an infrared ray absorber.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (A) an infrared absorber which is a cyanine dye having a structure in which hetero rings are bonded to each other via a methine chain and which has at least one substituent having a structure selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, a urethane bond, a urea bond and a sulfonamide bond on at least one of aromatic rings at both ends, nitrogen atoms present on the hetero rings at both ends and the methine chain; (B) at least one of a radical generator and an acid generator; and (C) at least one of a radical polymerizable compound and an acid crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: (A) a non-acrylic binder polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond on a side chain; (B) a neutrally charged compound capable of generating a radical under light or heat; and (C) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, and a polymerizable composition comprising: (A?) a polyurethane resin having an ethylenically unsaturated bond on a side chain, which is a reaction product of an isocyanate compound and a diol compound including a diol compound represented by the formula (G) defiend herein; (B) a neutrally charged compound capable of generating a radical under light or heat; (C) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond; (D?) a 1,4-benzoquinone derivative; and (E?) a dye having a maximum absorption wavelength in a region of from 350 to 450 nm.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor capable of forming an image upon irradiation with an infrared laser comprising a support, a first layer containing as the main component an alkali-soluble resin and a second layer containing as the main component an alkali-soluble resin that is different from the alkali-soluble resin contained as the main component in the first layer in this order, and at least one of the first layer and the second layer contains a mixture comprising at least two kinds of infrared absorbing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a multi-layer image, preferably a multi-color image. A transfer film which is applied to a paper ubstrate and which is treated with laser irradiation is used. The transfer film has a laser-sensitive layer and a background layer arranged therebeneath. The laser-sensitive layer comprises laser-sensitive material, for example laser-sensitive pigments or other laser-sensitive coloring agents. The laser-sensitive material in the layer is region-wise bleached by laser irradiation. That results in a so-called laser-induced image component. As it is transparent or partly transparent, the background layer which is arranged therebeneath and which can have a printed image then becomes visible from above in that region. That therefore gives a multi-layer image which is formed by the laser-induced image component and by the background layer jointly.

Abstract: Disclosed are multilayered resist structures including bilayer and top surface imaging which utilize tuned underlayers functioning as ARCs, planarizing layers, and etch resistant hard masks whose properties such as optical, chemical and physical properties are tailored to give a multilayer resist structure exhibiting high resolution, residue free lithography and methods of preparing these materials.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a support having disposed thereon a recording layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, a development inhibitor and an infrared absorber and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure. The recording layer may have either a mono-layer construction or a multi-layer construction containing a lower layer and an upper layer. In the case of the multi-layer construction, a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin is used as the lower layer, and a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and the development inhibitor and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure is used as the upper layer, and at least one of the lower layer and the upper layer contains the infrared absorber.

Abstract: A positive type photosensitive image-forming material for use with an infrared laser is provided. The material includes a substrate, a layer (A) containing not less than 50% by weight of a copolymer which contains, as a copolymerization component, not less than 10% by mol of at least one of the following monomers (a-1) to (a-3), wherein (a-1) is a monomer having in the molecule a sulfonamide group wherein at least one hydrogen atom is linked to a nitrogen atom, (a-2) is a monomer having in the molecule an active imino group represented by the following general formula (I): and (a-3) is a monomer selected from acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate and hydroxystyrene, which respectively have a phenolic hydroxyl group; and a layer (B) containing not less than 50% by weight of an aqueous alkali solution-soluble resin having a phenolic hydroxyl group. The layer (A) and the layer (B) are laminated on the substrate in that order.