Saved images can be moved to other computers for instance for image analysis, printing or slide making. The files on the image disk will automatically be erased after a few days. It is up to the user to make sure the desired files are saved elsewhere if they are to be saved permanently. Principle A phosphor imager is based on imaging plates that replace normal X-ray film in autoradiographic measurements. An imaging plate consists of a thin layer of special crystals doped with lanthanides.
Radioactive radiation excites the crystals and a latent image of the sample is formed on the plate.
The image is read into the computer by scanning the plate with a red laser beam using a dual optical fiber. The red light further excites the preexcited phosphor particles causing emission of blue light. A short user manual can be found on the web for the PhosphorImager.