Both QLD and DQE proposed for flat panel detector characterization

In general, the Detective Quantum Efficiency, DQE, is the standard metric for assessing image quality
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of a flat panel detector (FPD). However, a single descriptor is insufficient for describing the image quality of an FPD used for clinical imaging tasks that involve complex anatomical structures. Most clinical imaging applications study anatomy with varying x-ray attenuation properties which creates a wide range of entrance dose to the FPD and we propose that DQE differences as low as 10% can be perceived by human observers. DQE is usually reported at optimal x-ray exposure levels which can mislead expectations of image quality at the lower range of detector entrance exposure. We demonstrate that detectors with low DQE can impact observer perception of image quality.