Abstract This invention pertains to an imaging system wherein there is employed a structure comprising a cohesively weak electrically photosensitive imaging layer sandwiched between a donor sheet and a receiver sheet. Images are produced by rendering the imaging layer cohesively weak by treatment with an activator and while subjecting the imaging layer to an electric field, it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation to which it is sensitive. With the field still applied, the sandwich is separated whereby the imaging layers fractures with the exposed portion of the imaging layer residing on one of the sheets and the unexposed portion residing on the other sheet. Images of superior quality are provided by inserting between the donor sheet and the imaging layer a solvent softenable layer which acts as a fixative for the image produced. Such images, when formed on transparent donor sheets, are particularly useful as transparencies which project a bright color image.
The method of claim 1 further including the step of fixing by means of heat at least one of said exposed and unexposed portions of said imaging layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solvent softenable material is a thermoplastic material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electrically photosensitive material is an organic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the organic material is phthalocyanine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fixative layer contains a dye material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fixative layer comprises at least two materials at least one of which is at least softenable in said activator and one of which is insoluble in said activator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fixative layer is from about 1 micron to about 5 microns in thickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the donor sheet and the solvent softenable layer are transparent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fixative layer comprises a modified polystyrene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fixative layer comprises a styrene-vinyl toluene copolymer.