Variations in the morphology of image silver particles in thermally developed photographic materials

Photothermographic imaging systems based on silver halide and silver carbox ylates have been utilized for a wide variety of imaging applications for ma ny years. We have been investigating the morphology of silver particles for med in the image area of photothermographic imaging systems in order to und erstand the forces that affect their morphology. Because the size, shape, m orphology and silver particle distribution within an image area affects the overall optical properties of the imaging material, control of these prope rties should lead to improved photographic responses of the materials. We h ave found in this investigation that there are multiple factors that influe nce the overall morphology of the silver particles, and show how morphologi cal properties are changed by different conditions, e.g., the nature of the materials used, including the toners (succinimide, phthalimide, phthalazin e), phenolic developers, and related components.