Which of the following statements describes the effect of receptor exposure on image quality?

Which of the following statements describes the effect of receptor exposure on image quality?

• A. Proper exposure results in saturation
• B. Underexposure results in quantum mottle
• C. Proper exposure results in quantum mottle
• D. Overexposure results in quantum mottle

Answer: (B)

When an image is formed, the amount of exposure reaching the detector sets how many photons contribute to the signal. If exposure is too low, too few photons reach the detector, and the random nature of photon arrival becomes visible as graininess called quantum mottle. This noise reduces image quality by obscuring fine details and lowering apparent contrast, especially in areas of uniform density. Proper exposure provides enough photons to produce a smooth, detailed image with adequate density. Overexposure can saturate the detector and reduce dynamic range, but it does not cause quantum mottle. So underexposure leading to quantum mottle best describes the effect of receptor exposure on image quality.

When an image is formed, the amount of exposure reaching the detector sets how many photons contribute to the signal. If exposure is too low, too few photons reach the detector, and the random nature of photon arrival becomes visible as graininess called quantum mottle. This noise reduces image quality by obscuring fine details and lowering apparent contrast, especially in areas of uniform density. Proper exposure provides enough photons to produce a smooth, detailed image with adequate density. Overexposure can saturate the detector and reduce dynamic range, but it does not cause quantum mottle. So underexposure leading to quantum mottle best describes the effect of receptor exposure on image quality.