Detective quantum efficiency of a storage phosphor imaging plate: Monte Carlo study and experimental results

The performance of an X-ray imaging detector is generally evaluated by considering its detective quantum efficiency (DQE), which measures the ability of the detector to preserve the image information contained in the incident X-ray fluence. The DQE is also an important factor in figures-of-merit used to compare the performance of various radiographic machines and experimental setups. A simple expression is derived for the DQE of a storage-phosphor imaging plate (SPIP) and it is calculated as a function of the incident X-ray energy. The results are compared with measured data acquired from exposing the SPIP to Co/sup 60/ gamma radiation. An excellent agreement with theory is obtained.