Computed radiography explained: from imaging plate to digital image
Use this vocabulary guide to follow a CR example from its physical equipment to the image discussed in class.
Follow the CR image chain
Computed radiography uses a storage-phosphor imaging plate. Exposure leaves a latent image in that plate; a separate reader uses laser stimulation to retrieve the stored response. The response is converted into digital image data for display on a workstation.
DÜRR NDT’s technical overview describes these stages. Naming the plate, reader and displayed image separately makes the sequence easier to study.
Sources: DÜRR NDT: how computed radiography works.
Connect readout terms to their roles
Carestream’s CR white paper describes photostimulable luminescence, or PSL: light stimulation releases a light response from the exposed phosphor. The reader collects and digitizes that response. A scanner or read-out unit is another name for the reader.
When making study notes, give each unfamiliar term both a name and a role. For example, put “reader” beside the readout stage. This helps you follow an explanation even when a second author uses different vocabulary.
Sources: Carestream: Computed Radiography 101, pages 3–4 and 8.
Try a record-label matching exercise
Imagine one fictional lesson example with the four labels below. First read only the labels and write what each identifies. Then check the middle column and use the final column to extend your notes. These invented identifiers are for study, not a field record template.
- Draw a line from P-A to R-A and another from R-A to I-A. Write one sentence describing each connection.
- Now suppose S-A shows no image identifier. List the missing link you would ask the lesson author to supply.
- Check your answer: a useful question names the saved image and the view represented by S-A. Similar-looking pictures alone do not supply that link.
| Label | What it identifies | Question for your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plate P-A | The imaging plate | Which object is being discussed? |
| Readout R-A | The documented reading of that plate | Which event connects the records? |
| Image I-A | The saved image in the example | Which image does the discussion concern? |
| Screenshot S-A | A picture of the software display | Which saved image and view does it show? |
Choose training for the technique you are adding
NDT Academy’s CR Level II add-on is for film radiographers who already hold RT Level II. The syllabus includes CR workflow and photostimulable luminescence, reader and scanner architecture, and software topics covering original images and derived views.
The course provides formal training through lessons and equipment-familiarization simulations. It does not replace actual-system practicals or award employer certification. Confirm eligibility and your employer’s training plan before enrolling. The separate DR add-on focuses on digital detector array systems.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked on September 20, 2026. Follow the current requirements from your employer or certification body when planning qualification or an examination.