History and Evaluation of Investigations on Photographic Development Mechanism

Abstract

While development technology was born in the mid-nineteenth century, the mechanism of development process was not investigated until early 20th century. The motive force of the investigation, which lay in the interest in finding scientific truth in the early days, grew in later half of 20th century to seek after guiding principles for high photographic speed and image quality. It resulted in providing clues for IS01600 films and DIR-based functional compounds. Since the mechanism has been clarified in the late 20th century, a new motive force is needed to promote the proliferation of imaging technology.