What component of a Computed Radiography (CR) image plate (IP) is responsible for recording the radiologic image?

The photostimulable phosphor is the critical component of a Computed Radiography (CR) image plate responsible for recording the radiologic image. When exposed to ionizing radiation, the photostimulable phosphor absorbs and stores energy, creating a latent image. This latent image is not immediately visible; it must be processed to convert it into a usable radiographic image.

During the reading process, the image plate is scanned with a helium-neon laser, which stimulates the stored energy in the photostimulable phosphors. This stimulation causes the phosphors to release the stored energy as light, which is then captured by a photodetector and converted into an electronic signal to create the final image. Therefore, the function of the photostimulable phosphor in the image plate is fundamental to the entire CR process, as it is the medium that captures and retains the radiographic information initially generated by the exposure to radiation.