Laser fixing device, image forming apparatus equipped with the laser fixing device, and image forming method employing the image forming apparatus
There are provided a laser fixing device adapted to use of two types of light fixable toners having different light absorption characteristics, an image forming apparatus equipped with the laser fixing device, and an image forming method employing the image forming apparatus. A laser fixing device includes a laser light emitting section for emitting laser light and a wavelength conversion section for emitting outgoing light having a wavelength different from the one that incident laser light has.
1. A laser fixing device adapted to use of two types of light fixable toners having different light absorption characteristics, comprising:
a laser light emitting section for emitting laser light; and
a wavelength conversion section for emitting outgoing light having a wavelength different from the one that incident laser light has,
the laser light being applied to one of the two light fixable toners and the outgoing light which is emitted from the wavelength conversion section being applied to the other toner,
the laser light emitting section being configured to emit an infrared ray as the laser light,
the wavelength conversion section being configured to emit an ultraviolet ray as the outgoing light emitted from the wavelength conversion section, and
the wavelength conversion section being an SHG element employing quasi phase matching.
2. The laser fixing device of claim 1 , further comprising a conveying section for conveying a recording medium to a location which is irradiated with the laser light and the outgoing light emitted from the wavelength conversion section,
wherein the conveying section exhibits, at least at its part irradiated with the laser light and the outgoing light emitted from the wavelength conversion section, an infrared transmittance of greater than or equal to 70% and an ultraviolet transmittance of greater than or equal to 80%.