What is the first step in creating a computed radiography (CR) image?

Creating a computed radiography (CR) image begins with the process where a laser scans the imaging plate. This step is crucial because the imaging plate contains a photostimulable phosphor that absorbs the X-rays during the exposure. When the imaging plate is subsequently processed, it needs to be scanned by a laser to release the stored energy as light. This light is then captured and converted into an electronic signal to form the digital image.

In terms of the overall CR imaging process, after the X-rays are generated and exposure occurs, the stored data in the plate can only be retrieved and converted into a usable image through careful scanning by the laser. This step represents the transition from the latent image captured by the plate to a visible digital format suitable for diagnostic purposes. The other steps, such as analysis by a photodetector or erasure of the plate, occur after the initial scanning by the laser, highlighting why scanning is the essential first step in this imaging technique.