Kinetic models for the development of density in photographic and radiographic film

Abstract

The behaviour of radiographic and photographic films is usually described in terms of a plot of optical density against log (exposure). This form, based on a desired ‘ideal’ rather than any theory of the actual process, leads to difficulties of interpretation and arbitrary ‘speed’ determinations. Data collected have been shown to fit chemical kinetic models of differing order, depending on film and radiation type, with the rate constant providing a rational speed parameter. The order of the model seems to be associated with the number of quantum hits required for grain developability. A rational contrast index is proposed