Physics Chapter 14 Flashcards
Know the two ways that image intensifiers improved the image process
- Brightened the image significantly (eliminated the need to dark adapt)
- Allowed for a means of immediately viewing the fluoro image (reduced radiographic dose)
Know what the conventional fluoroscopic chain consists of
x-ray tube, an image intensifier, a recording system, and viewing system
Know the 5 basic parts that make up an image intensifier
Input phosphor, photo cathode, electrostatic focusing lenses, accelerating anode, and output phosphor
Know why the input phosphor is made of cesium iodide
It absorbs remnant x-ray photon energy and emits light in response
Know the size correlation between the input and output phosphor
output phosphor is much smaller
Know how brightness gain has traditionally been found
Multiplying the flux gain by the minification gain
Know the size of the image intensifier tube
50 cm in length and 15-58 cm diameter
Know how flux gain is expressed
The ratio of the number of light photons at the output phosphor to the number of light photons emitted in the input phosphor
WHat results from the higher the conversion factor or brightness gain factor
image appears brighter because the same number of electrons is being concentrated on a smaller surface area
Know what happens as the image intensifier tube ages
The ability of the image intensifier to increase brightness deteriorates with the age of the tube
Know what happens in regards to radiation as the image intensifier tube ages
More and more radiation is necessary to produce the same level of output brightness, translating to an increased patient dose
Know how ABC commonly operates
By monitoring the current through the image intensifier or the output phosphor intensity and adjusting the exposure factor if the monitored value falls below preset levels
Know how to find the degree of magnification
Dividing the full size input diameter by the selected input diameter
Know what magnification improves
The fluoroscopist’s ability to see small structures (spatial resolution) but at the expense of increasing patient dose
Know how spatial resolution is measured
Line pairs per millimeter
Know what distortion is a result of in fluoro
Inaccurate control or focusing of the electrons released at the periphery of the photocathode and the curved shape of the photocathode
Define a pincushion appearance
The combined result is an unequal magnification (distortion) of the image
Know how a “noisy” or “grainy” image occurs
If too few x-rays exit the patient and expose the input phosphor, then not enough light is produced, which decreases the number of electrons released by the photocathode to interact with the output phosphor