Which component of an indirect capture flat-panel detector converts incident x-ray photons into visible light photons?

Which component of an indirect capture flat-panel detector converts incident x-ray photons into visible light photons?

• A. TFT array
• B. Scintillation layer
• C. Photodiode
• D. CCD

Answer: (B)

The scintillation layer is responsible for converting incoming X-ray photons into visible light photons. It uses materials such as CsI(Tl) or Gd2O2S that absorb X-rays and re-emit lower-energy visible light. This light is then detected by the photodiode layer, which converts it into an electrical signal, while the TFT array manages readout. The scintillator’s job is the X-ray-to-light step; the other components handle light-to-electric signal conversion or signal routing.

The scintillation layer is responsible for converting incoming X-ray photons into visible light photons. It uses materials such as CsI(Tl) or Gd2O2S that absorb X-rays and re-emit lower-energy visible light. This light is then detected by the photodiode layer, which converts it into an electrical signal, while the TFT array manages readout. The scintillator’s job is the X-ray-to-light step; the other components handle light-to-electric signal conversion or signal routing.