Some Detector Characteristics of the Photographic Process

Abstract

The influence of the quantum nature of radiation on the sensitivity-resolution-noise characteristics of photographic processes is discussed. It is described how practical quantum efficiency and resolution properties may be compared with those of an ideal imaging process in terms of detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Some of the principles which are involved in the photographic application to detection problems are reviewed. A model which includes most of the established photographic quantum inefficiencies is used to interpret the measured values of DQE, and to indicate the various ways in which the photographic process is open to future improvements.