title: Signal-to-noise ratio and detective quantum efficiency analysis of optically coupled CCD mammography imaging systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Design considerations for x-ray systems with optically coupled charge-coupled devices require an understanding of the characteristics of cascaded multistage imaging chains. Performance evaluations rely on accurate analyses of signal-to-noise ratio, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Theoretic models of signal-to-noise ratio, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency were extended to analyze the optically coupled charge-coupled device and other electronic x-ray imaging systems. The descriptions of how to measure or compute these parameters are provided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of our quantitative analysis illustrate that x-ray quantum-noise limitation can be obtained without an image intensifier by using a low additive noise charge-coupled device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This theoretic model and experimental method provide a useful tool for developing optoelectronic x-ray imaging systems for digital mammography and other radiologic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Fajardo
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Penny
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation; D013679:Technology, Radiologic