What does detective quantum efficiency (DQE) measure?

Detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is a critical parameter in evaluating the performance of imaging systems, particularly in radiography and fluoroscopy. It measures the efficiency with which an imaging system converts the x-ray input into a useful output image. Specifically, DQE assesses how well the detector absorbs x-rays, which significantly affects the spatial resolution and contrast of the resulting images. A higher DQE indicates that the system can produce better-quality images at lower radiation doses, which is crucial for patient safety and effective diagnosis.

In essence, a detector with high DQE is effective in translating x-ray photons into an image with less noise and improved detail, allowing for better anatomical and pathological evaluation.

The other choices do not capture the essence of DQE accurately. Image display latency is concerned with the time delay in showing the image; brightness levels relate to image luminance; and image processing speed pertains to the time taken to process the image data after acquisition—all of which are important in their own right but do not specifically reflect the detector's efficiency in converting x-ray exposure into high-quality images.