What type of data do detectors used in CT generate?

Detectors used in computed tomography (CT) generate digital data as they convert the analog signals produced by the X-ray attenuation into a format that can be processed by a computer. In CT, X-ray beams are passed through the body, and as they are attenuated by different tissues, detectors capture this information.

Initially, the signals from the detectors are analog in nature, representing continuous variations in signal strength. However, these analog signals are then digitized to form discrete data points that are processed to create images. The digitization allows for more efficient storage, manipulation, and transmission of data, leading to the production of high-resolution cross-sectional images of the body.

Conversely, analog data would not be used in this context as the goal of CT technology is to create digital images that can be easily analyzed and shared within medical systems. Text data does not pertain to the visual information produced by CT scans, and while graphic data might refer to the eventual images produced, it does not accurately describe the raw output from the detectors. Thus, the focus on digital data aligns with the operational principles of how CT scanners function and how the data produced is utilized.