US4087281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of producing optical image on chromium or aluminum film with high-energy light beam
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1975-09-19
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Granted: 1978-05-02
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Expires: 1995-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A latent image is produced on a metallic film having at least one layer of chromium or aluminum by exposing the film to a light pattern. The intensity of the light from the light pattern must be below the threshold for evaporation of the metallic film. The latent image is developed by dipping the metallic film into an etchant.
Inventors
- 👤 Minoru Toda
- 👤 Susumu Osaka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:01
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/24; G; G03; G03C; G03C1/00; G03C1/705
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of producing an image on a metallic film comprised of at least one layer, wherein said one layer, having a thickness less than about 2,000 angstroms, is a material selected from the group consisting of chromium and aluminum, wherein said method comprises the steps of: exposing said one layer to a light pattern, said light pattern having an energy intensity level which at least approximately corresponds to the melting point of said one layer in said metallic film but is below the threshold for evaporation of said metallic film to form a latent image; and contacting said film with an etchant to develop said latent image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of producing an image on a metallic film comprised of at least one layer, wherein said one layer, having a thickness less than about 2,000 angstroms, is a material selected from the group consisting of chromium and aluminum, wherein said method comprises the steps of: exposing said one layer to a light pattern, said light pattern having an energy intensity level which at least approximately corresponds to the melting point of said one layer in said metallic film but is below the threshold for evaporation of said metallic film to form a latent image; and contacting said film with an etchant to develop said latent image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said metallic film comprises said one layer; and said etchant is a solution of potassium ferricyanide and sodium hydrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method in accordance with claim 2, wherein said one layer is chromium and is about 200 A in thickness, and said light pattern has an energy intensity level above about 0.3 Joule/cm 2 and below about 1.4 Joule/cm 2 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said metallic film comprises said one layer on a second layer of gold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method in accordance with claim 4, wherein said etchant is a solution of potassium iodate and iodine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method in accordance with claim 5, wherein said one layer is chromium; and said one layer is about 600 A in thickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 6, wherein said second layer of gold is about 2,000 A in thickness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said metallic film comprises a single layer of chromium or aluminum; and said etchant is an etchant for said metallic film; whereby a negative image is formed on said single layer metallic film.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said metallic film is a composite which comprises an exposed layer of chromium or aluminum on a gold base; and said etchant is an etchant for said exposed metallic film; whereby a negative image is formed on said composite metallic film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said metallic film comprises said one layer on a second layer of gold; and said etchant is an etchant for gold; whereby a positive image is formed on said composite metallic film.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said light pattern is produced by a laser light source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method in accordance with claim 3, wherein said light pattern is produced by a laser light source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method in accordance with claim 6, wherein said light pattern is produced by a laser light source.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-01 | 1981-10-31 | 1982-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-01 | 1985-10-31 | 1986-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-01 | 1989-10-31 | 1990-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |