In X-ray imaging, CCD refers to a Charge-Coupled Device, a type of detector used in digital radiography.
CCD Detectors in Digital Radiography
CCD detectors play a crucial role in converting X-ray information into a digital image. This process, as explained below, is indirect because the X-rays are first converted into light.
Indirect Conversion Process
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X-ray to Light Conversion: The X-ray photons initially strike a scintillating screen. This screen is designed to convert the X-ray photons into visible light photons.
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Light to Charge Conversion: The light photons then strike the CCD. The CCD then converts the light photons into an electrical charge. This electrical charge is proportional to the intensity of the X-rays that originally struck the scintillating screen.
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Digital Image Creation: This electrical charge is then digitized and processed to create a digital X-ray image.
Therefore, CCDs are a vital component in modern digital X-ray systems, allowing for the efficient capture and display of X-ray images.