What thickness of crystals yields better resolution, but cannot image higher keV photons?

What thickness of crystals yields better resolution, but cannot image higher keV photons?

• A. Thinner
• B. Thicker
• C. Same as standard
• D. Thinnest

Answer: (A)

Reducing crystal thickness improves spatial resolution because photons interact closer to the readout plane, reducing depth-related blur and parallax. That sharper localization comes at the cost of stopping power: thinner crystals absorb fewer photons, especially at higher energies. So a thinner crystal will give better resolution but is less able to image high-keV photons because it doesn’t absorb them efficiently. Among the options, a thinner thickness provides the best balance for improving resolution while limiting the ability to image higher keV photons, which is why it’s the best choice.

Reducing crystal thickness improves spatial resolution because photons interact closer to the readout plane, reducing depth-related blur and parallax. That sharper localization comes at the cost of stopping power: thinner crystals absorb fewer photons, especially at higher energies. So a thinner crystal will give better resolution but is less able to image high-keV photons because it doesn’t absorb them efficiently. Among the options, a thinner thickness provides the best balance for improving resolution while limiting the ability to image higher keV photons, which is why it’s the best choice.