Reducing calibration of components in an imaging plate scanner

An imaging plate scanner comprising:

• a photomultiplier tube having a window, an anode, and a cathode;
• a light source positioned to radiate light on the anode or cathode;
• and
• an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the light source and configured to
• generate a supply voltage value for the photomultiplier tube,
• activate the light source and determine an output current of the anode or of the cathode, and
• generate an error message if the output current deviates from an expected current range;
• and
• a power supply electrically connected to the electronic processor and configured to generate the supply voltage for the photomultiplier.

A method of assembling an imaging plate scanner that includes a first component and a photomultiplier tube having a window, an anode, a cathode, and a memory storing a parameter of the anode or cathode, the method comprising:

• initiating, via an electronic processor of the imaging plate scanner, an assembly process;
• reading, via the electronic processor, the stored parameters from the memory;
• determining, via the electronic processor, a supply voltage value for the photomultiplier tube in accordance with a parameter of the anode or cathode;
• determining, via the electronic processor, an operating parameter for the first component;
• generating, via the electronic processor, a message including scanner parameters;
• and
• outputting, via the electronic processor, a visibly recognizable ready indicator.

A method of checking the operational status of photomultiplier tube having a window, an anode, a cathode, and a memory storing a parameter of the anode or cathode, the method comprising:

• positioning a light source with respect to the anode and cathode so that the anode and cathode are within a light output field of the light source;
• activating the light source;
• determining an output current of the anode or of the cathode generated as a consequence of light from the light source irradiating the anode or the cathode, and
• generating an error message if the output current deviates from an expected current range.