Some Factors in Photographic Sensitivity

Discussion is limited to gelatino-silver halide emulsions for development. Sensitivity is broadly defined as the reciprocal of the minimum incident light-energy per unit area giving a definable effect upon development. This definition is illustrated from the characteristic curve. The factors discussed are (a) intrinsic properties of silver halide layer; and (b) extrinsic factors, or exposure conditions. Under (a) are discussed grain size, nucleation, optical sensitizing, inhibition, layer thickness, etc.; under (b), intensity level of illumination, temperature, and humidity. Sensitivity is also envisaged broadly as a differential between progressive and regressive phases of latent-image formation.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1935-06

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J05408