Performance and Limitations of Photothermoplastic Devices

Abstract

The performance of photothermoplastics has been reviewed with respect to sensitivity, resolution and diffraction efficiency. Particular attention has been given to the problems of linearity, the band-pass limited modulation transfer function, and high cycling speed. The relation between signal and frost is discussed qualitatively on the basis of a heuristic model. Drawbacks of the system lie in the unwieldy and slow corona operation and the critical dosage for heat development. Some recent improvements in this direction are reported.