US4585720A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Photoconductive member having light receiving layer of a-(Si-Ge) and C
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1984-09-12
•
Granted: 1986-04-29
•
Expires: 2004-09-12
Abstract
Abstract A photoconductive member comprises a substrate, a layer composed of an amorphous material comprising Si and Ge, said layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms. The layer region (C) has a region (X) where the concentration of carbon atoms increases in the direction of layer thickness toward the upper surface of said layer. An amorphous layer of silicon containing at least one of nitrogen and oxygen may overlie said layer.
Inventors
- 👤 Keishi Saitoh
- 👤 Yukihiko Ohnuki
- 👤 Shigeru Ohno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:32
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G5/00; G03G5/02; G03G5/04; G03G5/08; G03G5/082; G03G5/08214; G03G5/08235; G03G5/08242; G03G5/08221; G03G5/08228
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising an amorphous material comprising silicon atoms and germanium atoms wherein the content of germanium atoms in the light receiving layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms, and exhibiting photoconductivity, the light receiving layer containing at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface of the light receiving layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising an amorphous material comprising silicon atoms and germanium atoms wherein the content of germanium atoms in the light receiving layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms, and exhibiting photoconductivity, the light receiving layer containing at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface of the light receiving layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which the layer region (C) has a region (Y) which is below the region (X) and where the distribution concentration line C(C) increases continuously toward the substrate side.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in the light receiving layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in the light receiving layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which germanium atoms are distributed ununiformly in the direction of layer thickness in the light receiving layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which germanium atoms are distributed uniformly in the direction of layer thickness in the light receiving layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which a substance for controlling conductivity is contained in the light receiving layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 7 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group III of the Periodic Table.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 7 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group V of the Periodic Table.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
140 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer region (G) comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1 to 10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and a second layer region (S) comprising an amorphous material and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S) being provided in the mentioned order on the substrate, the light receiving layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
140 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer region (G) comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1 to 10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and a second layer region (S) comprising an amorphous material and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S) being provided in the mentioned order on the substrate, the light receiving layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which halogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the layer region (C) has a region (Y) which is below the region (X) and where the distribution concentration line C(C) increases continuously toward the substrate side.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which germanium atoms are ununiformly distributed in the first layer region (G).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which germanium atoms are uniformly distributed in the first layer region (G).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which a substance for controlling conductivity is contained in the light receiving layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 16 in which a substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group III of the Periodic Table.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 16 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group V of the Periodic Table.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which the light receiving layer contains at least one of oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
165 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer overlying the substrate, comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms, germanium atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer and wherein the content of germanium atoms in the first layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
165 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer overlying the substrate, comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms, germanium atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer and wherein the content of germanium atoms in the first layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in the first layer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the halogen atoms are contained in the first layer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the layer region (C) has a region (Y) which is below the region (X) and where the distribution concentration line C(C) increases continuously toward the substrate side.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the distribution of germanium atoms in the first layer is ununiform in the direction of layer thickness.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the distribution of germanium atoms in the first layer is uniform in the direction of layer thickness.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which a substance for controlling conductivity is contained in the first layer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 26 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group III of the Periodic Table.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 26 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group V of the Periodic Table.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
178 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer having a first layer region (G) overlying the substrate and comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1-10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, and a second layer region (S) overlying the first layer region (G), comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
178 words
A photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer having a first layer region (G) overlying the substrate and comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1-10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, and a second layer region (S) overlying the first layer region (G), comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S).
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which halogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S).
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the layer region (C) has a region (Y) which is below the region (X) and where the distribution concentration line C(C) increases continuously toward the substrate side.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the distribution of germanium atoms in the first layer region (G) is ununiform.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the distribution of germanium atoms in the first layer region (G) is uniform.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which a substance for controlling conductivity is contained in the first layer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 35 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group III of the Periodic Table.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 35 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is an atom of Group V of the Periodic Table.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the first layer contains at least one of oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which the content of carbon atoms in the layer region (C) is 0.001-50 atomic %.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 3 in which the content of hydrogen atoms is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 4 in which the content of halogen atoms is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 7 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity is 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the content of carbon atoms contained in the layer region (C) is 0.001-50 atomic %.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 11 in which the content of hydrogen atoms contained in the first layer region (G) is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 11 in which the content of hydrogen atoms contained the second layer region (S) is 1-40 atomic %.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 12 in which the content of halogen atoms in the first layer region (G) is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 12 in which the content of halogen atoms in the second layer region (S) is 1-40 atomic %.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 16 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity is 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the content of carbon atoms in the layer region (C) is 0.001-50 atomic %.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 21 in which the content of hydrogen atoms is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 22 in which the content of halogen atoms is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 26 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity is 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the content of carbon atoms in the layer region (C) is 0.001-50 atomic %.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 30 in which the content of hydrogen atoms in the first layer region (G) is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 30 in which the content of hydrogen atoms in the second layer region (S) is 1-40 atomic %.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 31 in which the content of halogen atoms in the first layer region (G) is 0.01-40 atomic %.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
5 words
A photoconductive member according to
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
5 words
A photoconductive member according to
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 35 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is contained in an amount of 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which the thickness of the light receiving layer is 1-100μ.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the thickness of the first layer region (G) is 30 Å-50μ.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the thickness of the second layer region (S) is 0.5-90 μ.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the thickness of the first layer is 1-100 μ.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which halogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the thickness of the second layer is 0.003-30 μ.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 1 in which the light receiving layer has a layer region (PN) containing a substance for controlling conductivity.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 20 in which the first layer has a layer region (PN) containing a substance for controlling conductivity.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 67 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity contained in the layer region (PN) is 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 7 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is locally present in the substrate side end portion layer region (E).
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
52 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 70 in which there is contained in a layer region (Z) other than the layer region (E) a substance for controlling conductivity characteristics which has a polarity of conductivity type opposite to that of the substance for controlling conductivity characteristics contained in the layer region (E).
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
41 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 71 in which the amount of the substance for controlling conductivity characteristics contained in the layer region (Z) is less than that of the substance for controlling conductivity characteristics contained in the layer region (E).
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
27 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 72 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity contained in the layer region (Z) is 0.001-1000 atomic ppm.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 11 in which halogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S).
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the light receiving layer contains at least one of oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 21 in which halogen atoms are contained in the first layer.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 30 in which halogen atoms are contained in at least one of the first layer region (G) and the second region (S).
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the first layer contains at least one of oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the thickness of the light receiving layer is 1-100 μ.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the thickness of the first layer region (G) is 30 Å-50 μ.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the thickness of the second layer region (S) is 0.5-90 μ.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the thickness of the first layer is 1-100 μ.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which hydrogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which halogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms are contained in the second layer.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the thickness of the second layer is 0.003-30 μ.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 10 in which the light receiving layer has a layer region (PN) containing a substance for controlling conductivity.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
23 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 29 in which the first layer has a layer region (PN) containing a substance for controlling conductivity.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
28 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 68 in which the content of the substance for controlling conductivity contained in the layer region (PN) is 0.01-5×10 4 atomic ppm.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 16 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is locally present in the substrate side end portion layer region (E).
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 26 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is locally present in the substrate side end portion layer region (E).
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 35 in which the substance for controlling conductivity is locally present in the substrate side end portion layer region (E).
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
A photoconductive member according to claim 3 in which halogen atoms are contained in the light receiving layer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
142 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising an amorphous material comprising silicon atoms and germanium atoms wherein the content of germanium atoms in the light receiving layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms, and exhibiting photoconductivity, the light receiving layer containing at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
142 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising an amorphous material comprising silicon atoms and germanium atoms wherein the content of germanium atoms in the light receiving layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms, and exhibiting photoconductivity, the light receiving layer containing at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer region (G) comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1 to 10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and a second layer region (S) comprising an amorphous material and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S) being provided in the mentioned order on the substrate, the light receiving layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer region (G) comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1 to 10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and a second layer region (S) comprising an amorphous material and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, the first layer region (G) and the second layer region (S) being provided in the mentioned order on the substrate, the light receiving layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
191 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer overlying the substrate, comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms, germanium atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer and wherein the content of germanium atoms in the first layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
191 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer overlying the substrate, comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms, germanium atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one of nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer and wherein the content of germanium atoms in the first layer is 1 to 9.5×10 5 atomic ppm based on the sum of germanium atoms and silicon atoms; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
205 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer having a first layer region (G) overlying the substrate and comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1-10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, and a second layer region (S) overlying the first layer region (G), comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
205 words
An electrophotographic process comprising: (a) applying a charging treatment to a photoconductive member which comprises a substrate for a photoconductive member and a light receiving layer comprising a first layer having a first layer region (G) overlying the substrate and comprising an amorphous material containing germanium atoms in an amount from 1-10×10 5 atomic ppm and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, and a second layer region (S) overlying the first layer region (G), comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms and at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms and exhibiting photoconductivity, and a second layer overlying the first layer and comprising an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the matrix and (i) at least one nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms and (ii) at least one of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms, the first layer having a layer region (C) containing carbon atoms, and the layer region (C) having a region (X) where the distribution concentration line C(C) in the direction of layer thickness of carbon atoms increases continuously from the substrate side toward the upper surface side of the light receiving layer; and (b) irradiating the photoconductive member with an electromagnetic wave carrying information, thereby forming an electrostatic image.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4465750A
Cited
US4451546A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-28 | 1989-10-28 | 1990-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-28 | 1993-10-28 | 1994-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-28 | 1997-10-28 | 1998-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |