LATENT IMAGE, PRODUCTION THEREOF, LATENT IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD AND MOLDED ARTICLE FITTED WITH LATTENT IMAGE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a latent image capable of being semipekrmanently preserved by partially forming a second substance different in surface energy on the surface of a substrate composed of first substance to form the latent image and providing difference in level between both substances within a specific range. SOLUTION: This latent image utilizing the difference of the surface energy between substances is formed on the surface of a substrate by partially forming second substance different in surface energy and both substances have difference of 0.1-100nm. Concretely, glass is washed and, after a pattern is formed on the glass 11 by ink, the patterned ink is used as a mask and the glass 11 is immersed to form a membrane 12 and, thereafter, the ink is removed by washing to obtain the latent image. When the latent image is exposed to saturated steam, steam is cooled to be liquefied to become fine water droplets 13 to be bonded to the surface of the latent image. When visible light is transmitted through the latent image, the latent image can be developed.