Readout characteristics of an imaging plate by fast laser pulses

The readout characteristics of an imaging plate (IP) by fast laser pulses have been studied using an /spl alpha/ particle source. The total photostimulated luminescence (PSL) detected with the system was proportional to the /spl alpha/ particle irradiation time. It can be used for radiation dose measurement. The accumulated radiation information in the IP is decreased by reading PSL signal with the laser pulses. The PSL decay curve in each frequency is well fitted by a single exponential function. Linear dependency of the decay constant on the repeated frequency of the pulse was observed in a frequency range from 60 kHz to 200 kHz. The readout method with fast laser pulses will be useful for development of novel radiation detection system and investigation of successive repeated readout characteristics and fading effects of the IP.