In cassetteless indirect digital radiography, which layer produces light photons?

In cassetteless indirect digital radiography, the scintillator layer is responsible for producing light photons. This layer typically consists of materials that absorb the incoming x-ray photons and subsequently re-emit that energy as visible light. The conversion efficiency of the scintillator plays a critical role in the overall performance of the imaging system, impacting image quality and radiation dose.

The photoconductor layer, while crucial in this process, does not produce light photons; instead, it converts the visible light emitted by the scintillator into electrical charges. The digital signal processor is involved in processing the signals once they are converted but does not play a role in the initial photon production. The glass substrate serves as a support structure and does not contribute to the imaging process in terms of light production.

Thus, the scintillator layer's ability to convert x-rays to light photons is the key function within cassetteless indirect digital radiography.