ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the basic concepts, including new technologies, image processing technologies, and image qualities, of computed radiography (CR) systems. It introduces the characteristics of the CR system with a focus on image quality and detectability. Newer technologies, such as needle-based photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates, dual-side reading systems, and line-scanning technology, result in higher image quality. The newer CR system provides excellent diagnostic capabilities coupled with advanced image-processing technology. CR systems can be grouped into two main types, namely the cassette type and the integrated type. One of the disadvantages of image acquisition for CR systems is the fading phenomenon. Fading occurs when there is a delay between X-ray exposure of the PSP plate and scanning by a CR reader, or the stored X-ray signal information on the PSP plate decreases over time. The dominant factor affecting the spatial resolution of the CR systems is the characteristics of the PSP itself.
