Digital radiography of the chest: design features and considerations for a prototype unit.

The general features of a prototype digital chest unit are described along with the rationale for the choice of design factors employed. It is shown that the scanning-slit, linear-detector-array approach employed can, with available x-ray tube technology, achieve a spatial resolution of 1 cy/mm and detector radiation levels comparable with those obtained with conventional screen-film systems. Also discussed are the unit's exposure latitude and its ability virtually to eliminate scatter.