Final answer:
The image receptor (IR) in medical imaging typically consists of the cassette and phosphor imaging plate. These components work together to capture and record the image data, with the phosphor plate playing a critical role in detecting radiation and converting it into an image.
Step-by-step explanation:
The content loaded in the question pertains to components used in medical imaging technologies. The image receptor (IR) typically includes the physical medium that captures the image once it has been exposed to x-rays or other types of radiation. The correct answer to the question 'The image receptor (IR) usually consists of the:' is option b, the cassette and phosphor imaging plate. These components work together where the cassette holds the phosphor imaging plate, which captures the image data after exposure to radiation. It is important to note that other options such as the x-ray tube and the control console are components of an x-ray machine, but they are not part of the image receptor (IR). The various detection systems mentioned, such as the photon detectors (e.g., photomultiplier tubes, CCD cameras), align with the properties of the phosphor imaging plate, which detects photons and converts them into a visible image. Advances in detector technology focus on improving the efficiency of photon reception, which can enhance the quality of medical imaging.