digital and film radiography 2 Flashcards
what is one of the most important parts of film radiography
Intra-oral film packet
where does the film packet go
This packet goes in the patient’s mouth when taking a radiograph
what is in the middle of a film packet
radiographic film
what surrounds the radiographic film
Protective (black) paper ~ protects film form light exposure, damaged by fingers and saliva
what is found behind the protective paper
lead foil
what is the purpose of the lead foil
Purpose of this is to absorb some excess x-ray photons
Ie the photons that have passed through the radiographic film and the protective paper as well as photons that have passed around the side of the packet and bounced off tissues within the mouth due to scatter that then are travelling back the way (want these absorbed before it hits the radiographic film as these photons can affect the image)
what surrounds the entire film packet
Outer wrapper is around all of this and usually made of plastic
what is the purpose of the outer wrapper
Prevents ingress of saliva
Indicates which side of the packet is the front
what is the radiographic film
Material in which the actual image is formed
what is the radiographic film sensitive too
Sensitive to both x-ray photons and visible light photons
Which is why it is important to make sure these are not accidentally exposed to day light
how is an image produced on the radiographic film
Photons interact with emulsion on film to produce latent image which only becomes visible after chemical processing
name the different components of the radiographic film
- Transparent plastic base
- Adhesive
- Emulsion
- Protect coating of clear gelatin
what is the purpose of the transparent plastic base
Supports the emulsion
Ie gives the whole thing support
what is the purpose of the adhesive
Attaches the emulsion to the plastic base
what is the emulsion
Layered on both sides of the plastic base
what is the function of the protective coating of clear gelatin
Shields the emulsion from mechanical damage
Protects it from finger prints and scrapes and scratches
what is the radiographic emulsion
Silver halide crystals embedded in a gelatin binder
what do the crystals do in the radiographic emulsion
• Crystals microscopic and are what effectively become the “pixels” of the final image
= film generally higher resolution than digital
• Ie the crystals = pixels
But the crystals are far smaller giving a higher resolution than digital
what do the silver halide crystals do
- Usually silver bromide
- Become sensitised upon interaction with x-ray (& visible light) photons
• During processing;
○ Sensitised crystals converted to particles of black metallic silver = dark parts of final image
○ Non-sensitised crystals removed = light parts of final image