Laser Dye Thermal Transfer Printing Using Nd:YAG Laser

Abstract

In laser dye thermal transfer printing using a focused laser beam as the heat source, continuous-tone images with very high resolution are obtained. However, the printing speed is relatively low compared to that of thermal head printing, in which a large number of dots can be recorded simultaneously. To shorten the printing time, a high-power Nd:YAG laser is used for the light source in our printing system. Printing characteristics with a short pulse, of the order of 1μsec, are evaluated in this printing system. As a result, continuous-tone printing with a short pulse of 2μs is feasible when laser power is 1.0W, indicating a significant advance in printing speeds. The transfer efficiency as a function of pulse width has a peak that can be observed. Good halftone printing of high definition image with 400lpi is also performed using this system.