Photo-sensitive and heat-sensitive composition and recording element using same

A recording element comprising a support and a photosensitive, heat-sensitive layer superposed on said support, said layer consisting essentially of a mixture of:

• photooxidant capable of producing an oxidizing substance when irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, leuco pigment capable of being oxidized by said oxidizing substance to generate a visible color, photoreductant, hydrogen donator capable of supplying hydrogen to said photoreductant, said photoreductant being capable of producing a reducing substance, in the presence of said hydrogen donator, when irradiated with visible light, and
• cobalt (III) complex capable, when heated, of reacting with said reducing substance so that said cobalt complex is reduced and produces ammonia or an amine which is effective to suppress the reaction between said leuco pigment and said oxidizing substance in the area irradiated with visible light.

A photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive recording element comprising a support, a fixing layer superposed on said support, said fixing layer consisting essentially of a mixture of:

• photoreductant, hydrogen donator capable of supplying hydrogen to said photoreductant, said photoreductant being capable of producing a reducing substance, in the presence of said hydrogen donator, when irradiated with visible light, and cobalt (III) complex capable, when heated, of reacting with said reducing substance so that said cobalt complex is reduced and produces ammonia or an amine, and a color-generating layer superposed on said fixing layer, said color-generating layer consisting essentially of a mixture of:
• photooxidant capable of producing an oxidizing substance when irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, and leuco pigment capable of being oxidized by said oxidizing substance to generate a visible color, said ammonia or amine being effective to suppress the reaction between said leuco pigment and said oxidizing substance in the area irradiated by visible light.