A REVIEW OF THE SPECTRAL SENSITIZATION OF SILVER HALIDES, PAST AND PRESENT*

Abstract

— Some of the important historical steps leading to our present understanding of the spectral sensitization of silver halides are reviewed and a new modification of the theory of the electron transfer mechanism of spectral sensitization is discussed. It is proposed that it is not necessary for spectral sensitizing dyes to inject electrons directly into the conduction band of the silver halide in the primary step. The only energetic restriction for the primary act of spectral sensitization is suggested to be the simple reduction of surface silver ions. However, for the spectral sensitizing act to be recorded photographically, secondary processes must be favorable for the subsequent deep trapping of the electrons that arise from the ionization of single silver atoms produced from the initial spectral sensitizing act.