Method and apparatus for producing image reproducing materials using photothermographic material sensitive to radiation in the red region and transparent to radiation in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum

摘要

Method and apparatus for producing image reproducing materials, especially newspaper printing plates or proofs having a predetermined image. A photothermographic material having a polymeric base supporting at least one photosensitive layer, capable of being developed by heat, is exposed to radiation at a first wavelength modulated in accordance with the predetermined image to produce a latent image representing the predetermined image in the photothermographic material. The photosensitive layer contains an antihalation colorant in an amount greater than 0.02 percent by weight. The antihalation colorant is active to radiation in the first wavelength and is transparent to radiation at a second wavelength. The photothermographic material is heated to develop the latent image in the photothermographic material. The image reproducing material is imaged with radiation at the second wavelength using the photothermographic material as a mask.