Multi-layer articles capable of forming color images and methods of forming color images

A multi-layer article comprising:

• a first, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the first thermally activatable layer absorbs light of a first write wavelength and the first activatable layer has a first absorption threshold for activation;
• a second, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the second thermally activatable layer absorbs light of the first write wavelength and the second activatable layer has a second absorption threshold for activation, wherein the second absorption threshold is lower than the first absorption threshold;
• and
• a first blocking layer disposed between the first and second internal thermally activatable layers, the first blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the first write wavelength;
• and
• a third, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the third thermally activatable layer absorbs light of a second write wavelength and the third activatable layer has a third absorption threshold for activation;
• a fourth, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the fourth thermally activatable layer absorbs light of the second write wavelength and the fourth activatable layer has a fourth absorption threshold for activation, wherein the fourth absorption threshold is lower than the third absorption threshold;
• and
• a second blocking layer disposed between the third and fourth internal thermally activatable layers, the second blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the second write wavelength;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first, second, third or fourth activation layers comprises a light to heat convertor composition and a color changing compound, and at least one of the first, second, third or fourth activation layers comprises a group of layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic, the group of layers also having a first absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to light comprising the write wavelength, absorptively heat the first group of layers by an amount sufficient to change the first reflective characteristic to a second reflective characteristic while maintaining the structural integrity of the group of layers.

A method of generating an image, comprising:

• providing a multi-layer article comprising:
• a first, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the first thermally activatable layer absorbs light of a first write wavelength and the first activatable layer has a first absorption threshold for activation;
• a second, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the second thermally activatable layer absorbs light of the first write wavelength and the second activatable layer has a second absorption threshold for activation, wherein the second absorption threshold is lower than the first absorption threshold;
• a first blocking layer disposed between the first and second internal thermally activatable layers, the first blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the first write wavelength;
• a third, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the third thermally activatable layer absorbs light of a second write wavelength and the third activatable layer has a third absorption threshold for activation;
• a fourth, interior, thermally activatable layer, wherein the fourth thermally activatable layer absorbs light of the second write wavelength and the fourth activatable layer has a fourth absorption threshold for activation, wherein the fourth absorption threshold is lower than the third absorption threshold;
• a second blocking layer disposed between the third and fourth internal thermally activatable layers, the second blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the second write wavelength;
• wherein at least one of the first, second, third and fourth activation layers comprise a light to heat convertor composition and a color changing compound;
• exposing the multi-layer article to radiation of the first write wavelength and the proper configuration to pass through the first blocking layer to activate the second thermally activatable layer;
• exposing the multi-layer article to radiation of the first write wavelength and the configuration to not pass through the first blocking layer to activate the first thermally activatable layer;
• exposing the multi-layer article to radiation of the second write wavelength and the proper configuration to pass through the second blocking layer to activate the fourth thermally activatable layer;
• and
• exposing the multi-layer article to radiation of the second write wavelength and the configuration to not pass through the second blocking layer to activate the third thermally activatable layer.