Method of forming a photostimulable storage member.

摘要

A photostimulable x-ray converter member is disclosed for digital radiographic applications which comprises a composite of phosphor particles suspended in a matrix of a solid organic polymer having an optical refractive index closely matching the optical refractive index of the phosphor particles. Said composite phosphor medium further exhibits this refractive index match at the wavelength of the energy source employed to readout a latent radiographic image previously stored by X radiation in the phosphor. The particular phosphor material being employed is barium fluorohalide activated with europium ion whereas the preferred thetic organic polymer is a polysulfone exhibiting sufficient mechanical strength to form a self-supporting void-free composite with the suspended phosphor having a surface area of at least one-half square foot. A method to produce said composite x-ray image converter medium is also disclosed along with a digital radiographic imaging system and method employing said x-ray image converter medium. The barium fluorohalide phosphor may be modified with Group 1A and/or 3A impurity ions to improve further the refractive index match.