US 7,270,929 B2 · Media for laser imaging

Abstract

A method and a medium for laser imaging is herein disclosed. The medium incorporates one or more types of microstructures having a predetermined heat or radiation modifiable optical characteristic such as color, scattering, diffusion, diffraction, interference and iridescence. Associated intimately with the microstructures is a radiation antenna that acts to absorb radiation from a radiation source. The radiation antenna and source are attuned to one another to efficiently transfer energy therebetween and subsequently to the microstructures; this transfer of energy results in the modification of an optical characteristic of the microstructures to form an image on the medium. The medium has one or more layers that may include both the radiation antenna and the microstructures. Alternatively, the microstructures and radiation antenna may be included in separate layers. Coatings that incorporate one or more layers that include distinct microstructures and radiation antennae are also contemplated.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method of forming an image on a medium comprising:

applying a plurality of microstructures to the medium, the microstructures having a given optical characteristic, the microstructures having associated therewith a radiation antenna;
directing a radiation source onto the medium such that the radiation antenna absorbs energy from the radiation source, thereby raising the temperature of the microstructures to a level at which the given optical characteristic thereof is modified;
wherein the microstructures and the radiation antenna are deposited on the medium in a single layer;
and
applying multiple layers to the medium, each of the respective multiple layers having a radiation antenna attuned to a range of wavelengths that differs from the ranges of wavelengths to which the radiation antennae of the remaining respective multiple layers are attuned.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Media for laser imaging

Life of this patent

Media for laser imaging

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19