Method and apparatus for producing image reproducing materials using photothermographic material sensitive to radiation in the red region and transparent to radiation in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum

A method for producing an image reproducing material having a predetermined image, comprising the steps of:

• exposing a photothermographic material having a polymeric base supporting at least one photosensitive layer, capable of being developed by heat, to radiation at a first wavelength modulated in accordance with said predetermined image to produce a latent image representing said predetermined image in said photothermographic material, said photothermographic material containing therein an antihalation colorant in an amount greater than 0.02 percent by weight of said photosensitive layer, said antihalation colorant being active to radiation in said first wavelength and being transparent to radiation at a second wavelength;
• heating said photothermographic material to develop said latent image in said photothermographic material;
• imaging said image reproducing material with radiation at said second wavelength using said photothermographic material as a mask;
• said image reproducing material retaining therein said antihalation colorant in said amount during said imaging step.

An apparatus for producing an image reproducing material having a predetermined image, comprising:

• means for exposing a photothermographic material having a polymeric base supporting at least one photosensitive layer, capable of being developed by heat, to radiation in the range of the 630-700 nanometers modulated in accordance with said predetermined image to produce a latent image representing said predetermined image in said photothermographic material, said photothermographic material containing therein an antihalation colorant in an amount greater than 0.02 percent by weight, said antihalation colorant being active to radiation in the red range of the electromagnetic spectrum and being transparent to radiation in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum;
• means for heating said photothermographic material to develop said latent image in said photothermographic material;
• and
• means for imaging said image reproducing material with ultraviolet radiation using said photothermographic material as a mask;
• said image reproducing material retaining therein said antihalation colorant in said amount when said image reproducing material is used in said means for imaging.

An apparatus for producing an image reproducing material having a predetermined image, comprising:

• means for exposing a photothermographic material having a polymeric base supporting at least one photosensitive layer, capable of being developed by heat, to radiation at a first wavelength modulated in accordance with said predetermined image to produce a latent image representing said predetermined image in said photothermographic material, said photothermographic material containing therein an antihalation colorant in an amount greater than 0.02 percent by weight, said antihalation colorant being active to radiation in said first wavelength and being transparent to radiation at a second wavelength;
• means for heating said photothermographic material to develop said latent image in said photothermographic material;
• means for imaging said image reproducing material with radiation at said second wavelength using said photothermographic material as a mask;
• said image reproducing material retaining therein said antihalation colorant in said amount when said image reproducing material is used in said means for imaging.