Device and method for reading out X-ray information stored in a fluorescent storage layer

A method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a stimulation light beam to stimulate a storage phosphor layer to emit emission light;
• deflecting the stimulation light beam with a deflection element to move the stimulation light over the storage phosphor layer;
• detecting a location of the deflected stimulation light beam and generating an electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light beam;
• and
• receiving the electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light beam and starting delivery of a drive energy to the deflection element in response to and dependent upon the electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light beam.

An apparatus for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source that generates a stimulation light beam which stimulates the storage phosphor layer to emit emission light;
• a deflector that deflects the stimulation light beam to move the deflected stimulation light beam over the storage phosphor layer;
• at least one sensor that detects a location of the deflected stimulation light beam and that generates an electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light beam;
• a driver that drives the deflector by delivering drive energy to the deflector;
• a detector that detects the emission light emitted by the storage phosphor layer;
• and
• a controller that:
• controls the detector to detect the emission light only while the deflected stimulation light beam moves over the storage phosphor layer in a first direction of movement;
• and
• controls the driver to start delivering the drive energy to the deflector in response to and dependent upon the electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light;
• wherein
• the controller controls the driver to deliver the drive energy to the deflector only during a movement of the deflected stimulation light beam over the storage phosphor layer in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement.

An apparatus for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source that generates a stimulation light beam which stimulates the storage phosphor layer to emit emission light;
• a deflector that deflects the stimulation light beam to move the deflected stimulation light beam over the storage phosphor layer;
• at least one sensor that detects a location of the deflected stimulation light beam and that generates an electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light beam;
• a driver that drives the deflector by delivering drive energy to the deflector;
• a detector that detects the emission light emitted by the storage phosphor layer;
• and
• a controller that:
• controls the detector to detect the emission light only while the deflector moves in a first direction;
• and
• controls the driver to start delivering the drive energy to the deflector in response to and dependent upon the electrical signal corresponding to the detected location of the deflected stimulation light;
• wherein
• the controller controls the driver to deliver the drive energy to the deflector only during a movement of the deflector in a second direction opposite to the first direction.