Compositions and methods for production of color images which are
developable at sub-infrared wavelengths are disclosed and described. The
color forming composition can include a polymer matrix having a color
former phase adjacent to or dispersed within the polymer matrix. The
color former phase can include a color former and an optional melting
aid. Further, a radiation absorber can be admixed with or in thermal
contact with the color former phase. The color forming composition can
also be optimized for development using electromagnetic radiation having
a development wavelength from about 300 nm to about 500 nm. The color
forming compositions are useful in forming images on a wide variety of
substrates such as optical disks.