Imageable composition containing infrared absorber with counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid

An imageable element comprising:

• a substrate;
• and
• a imageable composition coated on a surface of said substrate, said composition comprising:
• an acid curable composition;
• an acid generator;
• an infrared absorber and optionally, a colorant, wherein at least one of said infrared absorber and said colorant has a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid.

A method of producing an imaged element comprising the steps of:

• providing an imageable element comprising a substrate and
• an imageable composition coated on a surface of said substrate, said composition comprising an acid curable composition, an acid generator, an infrared absorber and optionally, a colorant, wherein at least one of said infrared absorber and said colorant has a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid;
• imagewise exposing said imageable element to radiation to produce an imagewise exposed element having exposed and unexposed regions;
• baking said imagewise exposed element at a temperature and period of time sufficient to produce a cured element;
• and
• contacting said cured element and a developer to remove the unexposed regions and thereby produce said imaged element.