What is the term used to describe the unseen image stored within the plate phosphor?

The term used to describe the unseen image stored within the plate phosphor is known as the latent image. In radiographic imaging, especially in computed radiography (CR), when the imaging plate is exposed to radiation, it captures the incoming energy, creating a pattern of stored energy that represents the radiographic data. This stored energy is not immediately visible; instead, it requires a process of conversion and processing to reveal the image.

Once the imaging plate is stimulated by laser light during the scanning process, the latent image is converted into a visible image. This distinction is important in understanding the workflow of radiographic imaging and the role of the imaging plate in capturing and storing information for future analysis. The term ensures clarity in discussing the stages of image formation in radiographic practices.