Abstract A recording technique using a laser beam for image recording on a film. In the preferred embodiment, the film comprises a transparent substrate coated with heat absorbing particles, dispersed in a self-oxidizing binder. Contrary to the present practice of directing the laser beam on the coating itself, the laser beam is directed through the substrate with its energy focused on the boundary interface between the substrate and coating. This causes the coating to be removed, as by blow-off or explosion, leaving a clear area on the substrate forming a positive image of the recorded material. If a negative is desired, the removed material can be collected on a backing, such as Scotch Brand tape, preferably in contact with the coating to thus provide both a positive and a negative of the written information from one and the same operation. In both instances the laser beam can be scanned or incrementally positioned and a modulating device can gait the laser beam to record machine or human readable characters.
The method of recording images as in claim 1 wherein said maintenance of the laser energy at the boundary interface initiates combustion of the binder blowing off the coating within the area affected by the laser energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the additional step of collecting the removed coating onto a backing to form a second image recording contemporaneous with the first image recording.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of recording images using a film comprising a transparent substrate and a coating material located on one surface of said substrate, the coating material consisting essentially of radiant energy heat absorbing particles in a self-oxidizing binder, the method comprising the steps of: facing the substrate of the film toward a source of laser energy, focusing the laser energy at the boundary interface between the substrate and the coating thereby causing the coating to be removed imagewise at the focus point of the laser energy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 4 with the additional step of collecting the blow-off coating material on a backing material to form a negative.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of recording images as claimed in claim 4, comprising the additional step of inking the imaged coating on the film and pressing the film against another media to form additional recorded images.