Photosensitive positive image forming process with two photo-sensitive layers

Claim 1

A process for forming positive images which consists essentially of imagewise exposing to actinic light a photosensitive image forming element comprising: a support; a first photosensitive layer comprising an o-quinone diazide compound provided on said support; and a second photosensitive layer which is substantially alkali insoluble directly overcoated on said first photosensitive layer, said second photosensitive layer being a homogeneous film rendered alkali-soluble upon exposure to actinic light and consisting essentially of in quantities sufficient to form an image upon development, as separate ingredients; (i) an aryl azide compound having one or two aryl groups and at least one alkali-soluble group selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid group, a carboxylic acid group, and a hydroxyl group, and the alkali metal salts thereof in its molecular structure, and (ii) a polyamide soluble in a lower alcohol, said polyamide and azide compound capable of co-acting to render areas exposed with actinic light alkali-soluble while unexposed area remain alkali-insoluble, and thereafter selectively dissolving said exposed areas in an alkaline medium.