16] X-Ray storage-phosphor imaging-plate detectors: High-sensitivity X-ray area detector

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses X-ray storage-phosphor imaging-plate detectors. The excellent performance characteristics of an imaging plate (IP) as an integrating X-ray area detector are well suited to X-ray diffraction and scattering experiments, especially to macromolecular crystallography in which the shortest exposure time or the smallest amount of X-ray dose possible is required. IPs have replaced conventional X-ray film and point-by-point diffractometry, which were conventionally used in macromolecular crystallography. A combination of two powerful tools—synchrotron radiation (SR) and IP—has mutually enhanced their potentials. With the advent of more intense X-rays from insertion devices installed in the 6–8 GeV storage rings, the IP system continues to play a more important role as one of the best X-ray area detectors because of its high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and lack of any instantaneous count-rate limitations. An IP can also be used for time-resolved measurements of an X-ray diffraction pattern when it is rapidly moved with a synchronized X-ray shutter operation.