A method of forming an image, and an imaging element for inhibiting image formation with cobalt (III) complexes

摘要

An imaging element contains an energy-activatable image precursor composition comprising a cobalt III complex having releasable ligands which react with an image forming material to form a visible image. The element also contains a photoinhibitor which, on activating exposure, inhibits the release of ligands from the cobalt III complex or inhibits their image forming action. Images may be formed by imagewise activating the photoinhibitor, preferably with radiation longer than 300 nm, and thereafter activating the image precursor composition, for instance by heating. Images of a different sense may be formed by varying the exposure and activation treatments of the element.