What happens to the latent image stored in a CR plate after it is scanned?

After a CR (computed radiography) plate is scanned, the latent image that was stored in the plate is erased. This process occurs because, during scanning, the plate is exposed to a laser beam that stimulates the phosphor material in the plate, causing it to emit light. This emitted light is then captured to create a digital image. As a result of this interaction, the stored latent image is effectively erased from the plate.

It's important to note that the CR plate must undergo this erasure process to prepare it for subsequent use, facilitating the cycle of capturing new images. The removal of the latent image is essential for maintaining the integrity and clarity of future radiographs, as any residual image could interfere with new scans. Thus, the option reflecting the erasure of the latent image is the correct one in this context.