Image forming method and apparatus

A system for forming an image onto a photosensitive recording medium comprising:

• a memory liquid crystal cell having a layer of nematic-cholesteric phase transition type memory liquid crystals, a photoconductive layer disposed adjacent said memory liquid crystal layer, and transparent electrodes sandwiching said memory liquid crystal layer and said photoconductive layer;
• means for projecting an optical image onto said memory liquid crystal cell comprising first means to project a positive original optical image on said memory liquid crystal cell for recording as a latent image and second means for projecting a negative original optical image either onto said memory liquid crystal cell as a latent image or onto said photosensitive recording medium without forming a latent image;
• means for applying a predetermined voltage to said memory liquid crystal cell to determine the polarity of an image recorded thereon;
• wherein said means for applying a predetermined voltage comprises, a voltage source and circuit means for applying a bias voltage from said source having a polarity determined by whether the original image is a positive or negative original optical image
• means for projecting an optical image from said memory liquid crystal cell to said photosensitive recording medium comprising a light source, a first lens, a half-silvered mirror positioned to direct light from said light source focused through said first lens onto the surface of said memory liquid crystal cell, and a second lens receiving light transmitted through said half-silvered mirror and focusing it onto said photosensitive recording medium.