Radiographic intensifying screens are crucial components in radiography that enhance image quality and reduce patient radiation exposure. They consist of three layers - a phosphor layer that converts x-ray energy into visible light, a reflective layer that directs this light towards the film, and a supportive base layer. Together, these screens work with radiographic films to improve diagnostic images while minimizing the needed radiation dose. Regular maintenance of intensifying screens is important to ensure consistent, high-quality images over time.

1. Intensifying Screen
Presenter: Dr. Dheeraj Kumar
MRIT, Ph.D. (Radiology and Imaging)
Assistant Professor
Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology
School of Health Sciences, CSJM University, Kanpur

2. Introduction
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens are crucial components in radiography,
enhancing image quality while reducing patient exposure to X-rays.
• Intensifying screen layers measure in mil, so 1 mil = 0.0254 millimetres.
• These screens work in conjunction with radiographic films to convert X-ray
energy into visible light, which is then captured by the film to create diagnostic
images.
• Their significance lies in their ability to improve image clarity and reduce the
amount of radiation needed for diagnostic purposes.
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3. Basic Components of Intensifying Screens
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens
consist of three primary layers: the
phosphor layer, the reflective layer,
and the base or support layer.
• These layers work together to
optimize the conversion of X-ray
energy into visible light and direct it
towards the film for image formation.
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4. Phosphor Layer
• The phosphor layer is the central element of the intensifying
screen. It is made up of phosphor crystals that play a crucial
role in the conversion of X-ray energy to visible light.
• When X-rays interact with the phosphor crystals, they cause
the crystals to fluoresce, emitting light photons.
• The phosphor layer can be composed of different types of
phosphors, with calcium tungstate and rare earth phosphors
being common options due to their efficient light emission
characteristics.
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5. Reflective Layer
• The reflective layer is positioned behind the phosphor layer. Its
purpose is to reflect the emitted light photons forward, towards the
radiographic film.
• This layer helps optimize the efficiency of light collection and
minimizes light scattering, ensuring that a higher proportion of
emitted light contributes to the formation of the radiographic
image.
• The reflective layer is typically made of a highly reflective
material, such as titanium dioxide or barium sulphate. These
materials have high scattering coefficients for visible light,
allowing the emitted light to be efficiently directed toward the
film.
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6. Base or Support Layer
• The base or support layer is located behind the reflective layer.
This layer provides structural support to the entire screen
assembly.
• Additionally, it prevents backscatter of X-rays that might
penetrate the phosphor and reflective layers, ensuring that these X-
rays do not contribute to image degradation or fogging of the film.
• The base layer is usually made of a durable and flexible material,
such as polyester or polycarbonate. These materials provide the
necessary support while being able to withstand the handling and
mechanical stress that screens may experience during use.
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7. Functions of Intensifying Screens
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens serve multiple functions in
radiography.
• They absorb X-rays that pass through the patient's body and
convert this X-ray energy into visible light. This light then
exposes the radiographic film, leading to image formation.
• This process reduces patient exposure to X-rays while
shortening exposure times, which is particularly important for
minimizing patient motion Artifacts during the exposure.
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8. Construction of Intensifying Screens
• The construction of intensifying screens involves a sandwich-like structure of the
phosphor layer, reflective layer, and base layer.
• These layers are often bonded together using adhesive or lamination techniques.
• Proper alignment during construction is crucial to ensure that the emitted light is
directed towards the film accurately and consistently.
• Quality control measures are essential to maintain optimal screen performance.
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9. Types of Radiographic Intensifying
Screens
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens come in various types,
including single-sided and double-sided screens.
• Single-sided screens have a phosphor layer on one side,
while double-sided screens have phosphor layers on both
sides for increased efficiency.
• High-speed screens are designed for fast exposures,
reducing patient dose. Specialized screens are developed
for specific applications, such as mammography and
fluoroscopy, optimizing image quality for these
procedures.
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10. Screen-Film Combination
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens work in combination
with radiographic films.
• The screens emit visible light when exposed to X-rays,
and this emitted light exposes the film.
• It's important to match the speed of the film with the
speed of the screen to achieve optimal image quality.
• A mismatch in speeds can result in suboptimal images
or unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient.
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11. Screen Cleaning and Maintenance
• Regular maintenance of Radiographic Intensifying
Screens is crucial to ensure consistent image quality.
• Screens can accumulate dirt, dust, and artifacts over
time, which can affect their performance.
• Proper cleaning using non-abrasive cleaners and
techniques is essential. Care should be taken to avoid
scratching the phosphor layer or damaging the
screen's structural integrity.
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12. Advantages and Disadvantages
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens offer several advantages.
• They reduce patient dose by allowing lower X-ray exposure levels, leading
to increased patient safety.
• They also shorten exposure times, minimizing the risk of motion artifacts.
• However, the use of screens can come with some disadvantages, including
a reduction in spatial resolution due to the conversion of X-rays to visible
light and the potential for artifacts in the image.
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13. Comparison with Digital Radiography
• In the era of digital imaging, the role of Radiographic Intensifying Screens has
evolved.
• Digital radiography systems directly capture X-rays and convert them to digital
images, eliminating the need for traditional film.
• However, Intensifying Screens are still employed in some digital systems to
enhance image quality and reduce radiation exposure.
• This demonstrates the continued relevance of these screens in modern
radiography.
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14. Practical Considerations
• Proper handling, storage, and disposal of Radiographic Intensifying Screens
are important considerations.
• Screens should be stored in a clean and dry environment to prevent damage.
When replacing old or damaged screens, proper disposal methods must be
followed to ensure environmental safety.
• Quality assurance programs that include regular testing and maintenance of
screens are essential to maintain consistent image quality.
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15. Conclusion
• Radiographic Intensifying Screens play a vital role in traditional
radiography by converting X-ray energy into visible light, resulting in high-
quality diagnostic images.
• They are integral components of radiographic equipment that enhance
image clarity while minimizing patient exposure to X-rays.
• As technology advances, these screens continue to be relevant in optimizing
diagnostic imaging procedures.
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16. References
• Bushong, S. C. (2020). Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection. Elsevier.
• Carlton, R. R., & Adler, A. M. (2013). Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science. Cengage
Learning.
• Huda, W., & Mahesh, M. (2017). Review of Radiologic Physics. Wolters Kluwer Health
• Kim, J. H., & Kim, S. Y. (2015). Image quality and radiation dose comparison between a dual-side read CR
system and a conventional CR system using an abdominal phantom. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 165(1-
4), 188-193.
• Smith-Bindman, R., Miglioretti, D. L., Larson, E. B., & Lee, C. I. (2012). Radiographic imaging for back
pain: systematic review. JAMA, 307(11), 1148-1155.
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17. Questions and Discussion
• Open the floor for questions, comments, and discussions related to
Radiographic Intensifying Screens.
• This is a great opportunity for your audience to engage with the
content, seek clarifications, and share their insights or experiences.
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18. Thank You
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