What happens when a CR imaging plate is exposed to white light?

When a computed radiography (CR) imaging plate is exposed to white light, it is effectively erased, allowing it to be reused for future imaging. This process occurs because the exposure to white light causes the photostimulable phosphor (PSP) within the plate to release the stored energy from previous exposures. The release of this energy effectively “erases” the existing latent image on the plate, preparing it for a new exposure.

The ability to erase and reuse the imaging plate is a fundamental aspect of CR technology, making it cost-effective and efficient for radiographic imaging. Therefore, after exposure to white light, the imaging plate can be cleared of any existing information and can be re-energized for new imaging tasks. This functionality is crucial in clinical settings where rapid turnover of imaging plates is required.