What component of the fluoroscopy system absorbs and converts x-rays into light photons?

The output phosphor is the component of a fluoroscopic system that absorbs x-rays and converts them into light photons. This process is essential for generating the visible image that is viewed on the monitor.

In fluoroscopy, x-rays are first directed onto the input phosphor, which is typically made of a material such as cesium iodide. When x-rays strike the input phosphor, it emits light photons. These light photons are then directed to the photocathode, where they are converted into electrons.

The accelerating anode serves a different function, primarily focused on directing the emitted electrons toward the output phosphor, where those electrons then strike the phosphor material, generating a final image in light form that can be captured on a display.

So, the correct answer highlights the crucial step in the image formation process, where x-rays are transformed into a visible format for observation by converting energy from one form to another.