Laser Diodes And Photographic Materials In Graphic Arts Applications

The discovery and commercialization of lasers has revolutionized many areas of science and technology, including the graphic arts. The principle of laser operation is described in general terms. Although the gas lasers used in graphic arts applications emit enough energy to expose photographic materials, they also impose constraints on the performance of output scanning systems. Semiconductor laser technology is also discussed in general terms. The properties of the laser diode present the industry with great potential for the design of a new generation of recording hardware. A need is expressed for development of photographic material suitable for laser diode exposure. A close look is taken at the performance of such Kodak products as Phototypesetting Film SO-156 and Phototypesetting Paper PX-2622.