High power lasers for medical and graphic arts printing applications

Abstract

Ecological concerns and time and cost saving measures have started a trend towards dry-processed, high quality image recording media for digital medical and graphic arts imaging applications. As compared to silver-halide film based systems, the photosensitive layers in most of these media are considerably less sensitive than traditional wet-processed film and therefore require a high laser power for exposure. In addition, advanced screening methods, like FM or stochastic screening, require an extremely well controlled laser spot size. The most recent developments in the graphic arts industry are directed towards eliminating film as an intermediate step for plate-making altogether and instead writing the image (comprising text, line art and pictures) directly onto plates. What these technological developments have in common is that, independent of the specific method for implementation, they all rely on various high power laser sources with extremely well controlled beam properties for writing the image. This talk will address the present status of laser requirements for non-silver-halide-based medical and graphic arts printing, as well as impending industry-wide technological changes and the resulting “wish list” for advanced laser sources.