An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) with a holding
plane (7) in which the storage phosphor layer (2) lies or can be moved, a
radiation source (8, 9, 10) for irradiating the storage phosphor layer
(2) with erasing radiation which is suitable for erasing the storage
phosphor layer (2), and a reflector (11; 29, 30) for reflecting erasing
radiation in the direction of the holding plane (7). In order to increase
the erasing efficiency, provision is made such that the reflector (11;
29, 30) is arranged and/or designed such that it reflects erasing
radiation, which is reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2), in the
direction of the storage phosphor layer (2), and the radiation source (8,
9, 10) is disposed on a base (33; 48, 49), the base (33; 48, 49) being
disposed closer to the holding plane (7) than at least part of the
reflector (11; 29, 30).