What is produced by a digital image receptor (IR)?

A digital image receptor (IR) primarily produces an electronic signal as a response to the incoming radiation. This electronic signal is generated when the receptor material interacts with X-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation, converting the energy of the radiation into an electrical charge. This electronic signal is then processed and converted into a digital format for image reconstruction and display.

The production of an electronic signal is crucial because it forms the foundation for creating a digital image file, which contains the visual representation of the scanned anatomy. While an optical signal and electric current can be associated with certain processes, they are not the main outcome of the IR itself. The final digital image file is dependent on the electronic signal being processed, but it is not the direct output of the receptor; rather, it is the result of subsequent image processing steps.