Image Sharpness

Sharpness is considered a significant factor in determining image quality as it is the factor that determines the amount of detail an imaging system can reproduce (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Image A is sharpness when compared to B.

Figure 11. Image A is sharpness when compared to B.

Sharpness refers to the dimensions of an object's partially shaded outer region or the penumbra. The wider the penumbra, the less sharp the image (Figure 12).^1,2,5

Figure 12. Shadow casting, umbra and penumbra.

Figure 12. Shadow casting, umbra and penumbra.

We will only discuss the properties of shadow-casting and the penumbra width related to the x-ray tube and sensor. We will not factor in the patient-related sharpness of the image.

The sharpness of the image depends on multiple factors. We will consider one variable at a time, keeping the other variables fixed:

1. The apparent focal spot size: The larger the apparent focal spot, the larger the penumbra, resulting in a less sharp image.^1,3,6,11

2. Source-to-object distance: The greater is the source-to-object distance, the smaller is the penumbra, resulting in a sharper image.^1,2,4,5,8,11

3. Object-to-receptor distance: The greater is the object-to-receptor distance, the larger is the penumbra, resulting in a less sharp image.^7,2-4,9,11

4. X-ray tube motion-related un-sharpness: If the tube moves during image acquisition, the apparent focal spot size will become larger, resulting in a larger penumbra and a less sharp image.^2,5,12