Abstract: A storage phosphor erase apparatus for selectively erasing storage phosphors having different lateral dimensions transported along a first direction. The apparatus includes an array of point sources of erasing radiation spanning at least the greatest lateral dimension of a storage phosphor to be erased; and a control for actuating all of the array of point sources when a storage phosphor of the greatest lateral dimension is to be erased, and for actuating less than all of the array of point sources when a storage phosphor of a lateral dimension less than the greatest lateral dimension is to be erased.

Abstract: A method for erasing noise and a residual image in a storage phosphor, comprising: reading out an exposed storage phosphor which is transported in a first direction by scanning the storage phosphor in a line scan direction perpendicular to the first direction, with a reciprocating stimulating beam of light which causes the storage phosphor to emit light in a first frequency range, the beam of light being suppressed during retrace; erasing the storage phosphor after the reading out with light of a second frequency range and additionally with light of the first frequency range during retrace when the stimulating light beam is supressed.