Thermally processable imaging element comprising an ion exchanged reducing agent

摘要

This invention comprises a thermally processable element comprising at least one imaging layer on a support, wherein the imaging element also comprises at least one photographically useful reducing agent ionically bound to an ion exchange matrix. The imaging element preferably is a photothermographic element in which the imaging layer comprises a light sensitive silver halide, an oxidizing agent, preferably an organic silver salt, and a reducing agent. The invention also comprises developing said photothermographic element by heating the element to a temperature above about 50 DEG C. The invention also comprises a methods of forming an image by scanning the developed photothermographic element.