Which are factors that affect spatial resolution in digital radiography (DR)?

In digital radiography (DR), spatial resolution refers to the ability to distinguish between small structures in an image. This concept is critically influenced by several key factors, among which the size of the detector elements (DELs), the DEL pitch, and the fill factor play significant roles.

The size of the DEL is crucial because smaller DELs can capture finer details, resulting in higher spatial resolution. As the DELs become larger, there is a corresponding decrease in resolution. The DEL pitch, which is the distance between the centers of adjacent DELs, also affects resolution. A smaller pitch allows for closer placement of the DELs, enhancing the ability to resolve fine structural details.

The fill factor, defined as the ratio of the area of the DELs that is sensitive to X-ray exposure to the total area of the detector, plays a role as well. A higher fill factor means that more of the detector surface is utilized for capturing the image, which can increase the overall quality and clarity of the image produced.

By being aware of these interrelated factors, one can appreciate how they collectively impact the spatial resolution of digital radiographic images. Therefore, the combination of DEL size, pitch, and fill factor is fundamental to achieving optimal imaging quality in DR systems