A study of photoelectronic-digital radiology—Part III: Image acquisition components and system design

Photoelectronic image acquisition components (X-ray sensors, optics, and video tubes) are examined for their ability to reproduce the X-ray image obtained in diagnostic radiology. Essential characteristics in terms of efficiency, signal, noise, dynamic range, contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and speed are examined for components and systems suited to clinical procedures. Analysis for performance is managed on the basis of calculations using photons, flux, and flux rate with their counterparts in electron numbers for charge distribution and current flow. This avoids the difficulty of working with mixed units. Static imaging for the chest, abdomen, and bone as well as dynamic imaging using intravenous angiography are discussed for their individual requirements.