Application

Imaging Plates are used in TEM like negative film material. The plate is inserted into the TEM film holder and loaded to the TEM film camera. Unlike sheet film the unexposed Imaging Plate is not sensitive to light so it can be handled in the light. Imaging Plates are not hygroscopic so there is no need for desiccation.
After exposure, the Imaging Plate is unloaded from the TEM and transferred to the reader device. This step has to be done in the dark because the exposed plate is light sensitive now. The plate however is not very sensitive to light so a bright save-light can be used. Up to 20 Plates can be loaded to the reader and scanned in one batch.
After reading the plates are unloaded again. This step can be done in the light. Before using the plates again they have to be erased. Erasing is performed on a light box that illuminates the plate with bright white light. The plates are put on top of the DITABIS eraser for 20 minutes. Then the plates can be put back to the TEM film holders and camera.