| abstract |
A dispersion imaging material, such as tellurium, which disperses upon the absorption of energy above a certain threshold is provided in the form of a thin, continuous film, preferably on a substrate. Energy, in the form of a pulse, is applied to the continuous film in a pattern, which includes a plurality of regions, in an amount and for a length of time sufficient to cause dispersion of the dispersion imaging material simultaneously in all those regions which receive the energy. Preferably, the energy is applied through an imaging mask to produce a duplicate of the image. Sensitizing materials advantageously can be employed to form an indigenous mask on the dispersion imaging material. In addition, dispersion promoting materials can be utilized to enhance and accelerate the formation of a stable image. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the dispersion imaging material is carried on a substrate having a low heat conductivity. |