If the input phosphor of an image intensifier measures 15 inches and the output phosphor measures 1.0 inch, what is the minification gain?

Minification gain in an image intensifier is calculated using the formula:

Minification Gain = (Input Phosphor Diameter / Output Phosphor Diameter)²

In this case, the input phosphor measures 15 inches and the output phosphor measures 1.0 inch. First, we can plug the measurements into the formula:

Minification Gain = (15 inches / 1.0 inch)² = (15)² = 225.

This reveals that the image intensifier is concentrating the larger input area onto a smaller output area, resulting in an enhancement of the image intensity due to minification. The calculation clearly demonstrates how significant the gain is, making the correct choice 225. This aspect of image intensifiers is crucial in medical imaging, as it directly affects the quality of the images produced for diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding how to compute minification gain helps appreciate the role of image intensifiers in enhancing image resolution and contrast, which is essential for healthcare professionals in the field.