Deterioration of imaging plate by proton irradiation and an evidence of its recovery

Abstract An imaging plate (IP) was excessively irradiated by 250 MeV proton beam up to 4.3×10 13 protons/cm 2 in order to examine the resultant radiation damage. As a function of proton fluence, variations in photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) signals were evaluated by comparing with the region without previous extensive proton irradiation on the same IP. Notable deterioration of PSL signal was found for the fluence more than 5×10 12 protons/cm 2 . Furthermore, partial recovery of the deterioration was evidently observed, which was promoted by keeping the IP at 50–70°C.