Scanning Head Storage Phosphor Plate Scanner

The specific problem addressed by the proposed research is the development of a scanner for storage phosphor plates with significantly better positional and intensity accuracy than the current state of the art. The new scanner will be based on the use of a "scanning head" scanning approach which is more simple, accurate, and stable than the approaches previously used. This results in stable and reproducible signal light measurements with a high transfer efficiency from the laser to the plate and a high light collection efficiency. A key innovation of the proposed Phase I research will be the development of a low mass source/detector storage phosphor plate scanning unit. If the research is successful, it can be used as the basis for a commercial scanner for scientific applications. The accuracy provided would give it a substantial competitive advantage in this market over commercially available scanners. Its unique random access scan capability will also provide competitive advantages in this market.