Reversible heat-sensitive recording medium and method of recording an image using the heat-sensitive recording medium

摘要

A reversible heat-sensitive recording medium is provided, which includes a heat-sensitive portion, and a light-transmitting heat-insulating layer disposed to contact the heat-sensitive portion. The heat-sensitive portion contains a light-heat conversion material and a heat-sensitive reversible layer. The light-heat conversion material is enabled to absorb light having a specific wavelength and to convert the light into heat energy. The heat-sensitive reversible layer contains an electron-donating coloring compound and an electron-accepting compound and is enabled to change from a decolorized state to a color-developed state and vice versa, depending on difference in heating temperature and/or cooling temperature to be effected after heating. The light-transmitting heat-insulating is capable of transmitting light having the specific wavelength which the light-heat conversion material is enabled to absorb and also capable of insulating the heat to be emitted from the light-heat conversion material.