What is the primary function of the scintillation layer in a flat-panel detector?

The primary function of the scintillation layer in a flat-panel detector is to convert x-ray photons into visible light. This process is crucial because it enables the subsequent layers of the detector to register and convert the light into electrical signals that ultimately form the digital image. The scintillation layer typically consists of materials such as cesium iodide or gadolinium oxysulphide, which efficiently absorb x-rays and emit visible light in response.

This transformation is essential for the digital radiography process, as the sensitivity and resolution of the imaging system depend on the effective conversion of incident x-ray photons into light. The quality of the visible light produced also plays a role in the overall clarity and detail of the final image, making this function foundational to the operation of flat-panel detectors in radiographic applications.