Photothermographic and Thermographic Imaging Materials

Photothermographic and thermographic imaging technology based on silver carboxylates have evolved into high quality black and white imaging materials suitable for extremely demanding applications such as medical X-ray and graphic arts films. the unique ability of generating a high quality image that requires only dry processing, without any of the hazards and environmental problems of conventional, wet-processed films for these applications, has provided significant new commercial opportunities for this technology. Major advances in the state of the art have occurred in this field since photothermography of this type was first introduced as Dry Silver in 1964. This article describes the components and their function in these types of imaging systems, their development over the last 40 years, the advances in basic understanding of the current status of the science behind the technology, and prospects for the future. Keywords: photothermography; thermography; silver carboxylates; imaging; dry process; metallic silver