Digital radiography (DR) is an advanced form of x-ray inspection which produces a digital radiographic image instantly on a computer. This technique uses x-ray sensitive plates to capture data during object examination, which is immediately transferred to a computer without the use of an intermediate cassette. The incident x-ray radiation is converted into an equivalent electric charge and then to a digital image through a detector sensor.
A digital X-ray, or digital radiography, is a modern type of X-ray that utilises digital sensors instead of photographic film, as with a traditional X-ray. The image captured is converted to digital data immediately and is available for review within seconds.
The digital X-ray procedure is highly similar to traditional X-rays; it is the technology that is very different. Bursts of radiation still pass through the body and form an image based on how much radiation passes through the different organs, but rather than using photographic film to capture the image, digital sensors are used.
Digital X-ray sensors usually come in the form of active matrix flat panels made up of a detection layer over an active matrix array of thin film transistors and photodiodes. These sensors are able to convert the image into digital form in real time, allowing the doctor to view the results on a computer immediately.
Digital X-rays have several key advantages over other options: