What role does the detector array play in computed tomography?

The detector array in computed tomography plays a crucial role in collecting data that contributes to image reconstruction. When a CT scan is performed, the X-ray tube emits radiation that passes through the patient’s body and reaches the detector array. This array is composed of numerous individual detectors, which measure the amount of radiation that has passed through different tissues. The information gathered by these detectors is essential for creating detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

Once the data is collected, it is processed through complex algorithms that reconstruct the images for the clinician to analyze. This ability to collect precise data from various angles allows for high-resolution images that are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Thus, the detector array is integral to the function of a CT scanner, directly impacting the quality of the images produced and the information available to healthcare providers.