Which combination would produce an image with the highest spatial resolution?

Which combination would produce an image with the highest spatial resolution?

• A. large DEL size, small DEL pitch, high fill factor
• B. large DEL size, large SEL pitch, high fill factor
• C. small DEL size, small DEL pitch, high fill factor
• D. small DEL size, large DEL pitch, small fill factor

Answer: (C)

Spatial resolution in digital radiography is governed by how finely the detector samples the image. Smaller detector elements mean each sample covers a smaller area, so details can be resolved more distinctly. The distance between centers of neighboring detector elements, the pitch, also matters: a smaller pitch creates a denser sampling grid, which reduces the gap between samples and preserves finer detail. Finally, a high fill factor—meaning most of each detector element is sensitive to radiation—minimizes dead space and reduces cross‑talk between adjacent elements, helping to keep the signal localized to its corresponding sample. Combining these factors, the highest spatial resolution comes from having small detector element size, small pitch, and high fill factor. The other options introduce at least one limitation—larger element size, larger pitch, or lower fill factor—that degrades how finely the image can be resolved.

Spatial resolution in digital radiography is governed by how finely the detector samples the image. Smaller detector elements mean each sample covers a smaller area, so details can be resolved more distinctly. The distance between centers of neighboring detector elements, the pitch, also matters: a smaller pitch creates a denser sampling grid, which reduces the gap between samples and preserves finer detail. Finally, a high fill factor—meaning most of each detector element is sensitive to radiation—minimizes dead space and reduces cross‑talk between adjacent elements, helping to keep the signal localized to its corresponding sample.

Combining these factors, the highest spatial resolution comes from having small detector element size, small pitch, and high fill factor. The other options introduce at least one limitation—larger element size, larger pitch, or lower fill factor—that degrades how finely the image can be resolved.