A photomultiplier tube for use in an imaging plate scanner. In one embodiment, the photomultiplier tube includes a housing having a window; a focusing electrode located in the housing; an electron multiplier dynode located in the housing; an anode; a cathode and a memory storing parameters. Another embodiment provides An imaging plate scanner including a photomultiplier tube having a window, an anode, and a cathode; a light source positioned to radiate light on the anode or cathode; and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the light source and configured to generate a supply voltage value for the photomultiplier tube, activate the light source and determine an output current of the anode or of the cathode, and generate an error message if the output current deviates from an expected current range. A power supply is electrically connected to the electronic processor and configured to generate the supply voltage.