Imaging medium and process for producing an image

Abstract

A process for producing an image uses an imaging medium comprising an acid-generating layer or phase comprising a mixture of a superacid precursor, a sensitizing dye and a secondary acid generator, and a color-change layer comprising an image dye. The sensitizing dye has first and second forms, the first form having substantially greater substantial absorption in a first wavelength range than the second form. The superacid precursor is not capable, in the absence of the first form of the sensitizing dye, of being decomposed by radiation in the first wavelength range. The secondary acid generator is capable of thermal decomposition, catalyzed by superacid, to form a secondary acid. While at least part of the sensitizing dye is in its first form, the medium is imagewise exposed to radiation in the first wavelength range, thereby causing, in the exposed areas of the acid-generating layer, the formation of superacid. The medium is then heated to cause, in the exposed areas, thermal decomposition of the secondary acid generator, catalyzed by the superacid, and formation of the secondary acid. The components of the acid-generating and color-change layers or phases are then mixed so that the secondary acid causes a change in color of the image dye, and the sensitizing dye is converted to its second form. The acid-generating layer or phase desirably includes a cosensitizer which is a reducing agent less basic than the secondary acid generator.