Performance evaluation of the Kodak ACR 2000i computed radiography system

This paper provides a performance evaluation of the Kodak ACR 2000i Computed Radiography (CR) system. This evaluation includes a detailed examination of the exposure response characteristics of the system at X-ray potentials of 70 and 400 kVp. Both response curves exhibit common behaviour. Establishing a specific response level allows exposure curves for the system to be generated and this paper presents such curves from 40 kVp to 450 kVp.

Exploration of the dynamic range obtained from these exposure curves indicates that the Imaging Plates (IPs) become increasingly sensitive to scatter as the X-ray potential is increased. Both primary scatter and backscatter are investigated along with measures to reduce the scatter.

The response of the CR system is also investigated in relation to the classical methods of determining radiographic quality: spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity.

The principal observation is that the Kodak ACR 2000i system has a huge dynamic range, and an almost unfailing ability to provide reasonable results almost regardless of radiographic technique. However, this disguises the fact that like all radiographic systems, there are optimum radiographic parameters and techniques required to obtain the best results. Above all the results in this paper stress the importance of good radiographic practice for CR systems.