Background Noise in Radiation Sensors and Cameras with Collimators and Noise Economic Impact

The background radiation noise contributes to the total noise and signal quality degradation from radiation sensors and cameras. We present equations for the equivalent noise and signal to noise ratio for uncollimated and collimated sensors and cameras. This background noise issue is especially important for applications in medicine where it dictates the image quality at specified radiation intensity and, as a consequence, cancer risks.