Performance characteristics of asymmetric zero-crossover screen-film systems

The development of specialized dyes that essentially prevent light from crossing the film base in duplitized screen-film systems has made it possible to design screen-film combinations with unusual performance characteristics. Specifically, by combining front and back screens with differing light emission and resolution properties with asymmetric films with differing front and back sensitometric characteristics, it is now possible to design screen-film systems that have some or all of the following features: (1) density-dependent image blur, (2) previously impractical sensitometric curve shapes, and (3) screen-dependent system contrast. Performance characteristics of two specific systems are summarized, including sensitometric data, contrast transfer functions, noise equivalent quanta, and detective quantum efficiency. Initial clinical applications of this technology are also described, with an emphasis on thoracic radiography.