intensifying screen

intensifying screen

[inten′sifī′ing]

Etymology: L, intensus, tighten, facere, to make; ME, screne

a device consisting of fluorescent material, which is placed in contact with the film in a radiographic cassette. Radiation interacts with the fluorescent phosphor, releasing light photons. These photons expose the film with greater efficiency than would the radiation alone. Thus patient exposure to radiation can be reduced.

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intensifying screen,

n See screen, intensifying.

intensity of a radiographic beam,

n the amount of energy in a radiographic beam per unit volume or area.

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intensifying screen

calcium tungstate screens which fluoresce and transform the invisible x-ray image to a fluorescent blue or ultraviolet one. This reduces the exposure time a great deal. The image is intensified. Rare-earth intensifying screens are more modern and produce more intensification. They also produce different colored light, depending on the rare earth used.

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rare-earth intensifying screen

faster than the standard calcium tungstate screens but much more usable at high kV range. They require the use of special film and safelights.