Understanding ASTM E2597: Ensuring quality in digital detector arrays
Written by Milja Kurkela, Application Engineer at Detection Technology | 5 May 2025
In the ever-evolving world of industrial applications, maintaining consistent and reliable evaluation criteria for digital detector arrays (DDAs) is crucial. This is where the ASTM E2597/E2597M standard comes into play. The application note on ASTM E2597 provides an in-depth look at this essential standard and its significance in the industry.
What is ASTM E2597?
ASTM E2597/E2597M is a standard developed to provide comprehensive characterization of DDAs used in industrial applications. The latest version, ASTM E2597/E2597M-22, includes updated procedures and parameters to ensure that DDAs meet stringent quality and performance criteria. This standard is vital for industries that rely on these detectors, as it offers a common framework for evaluations, ensuring products are consistent and reliable.
Key highlights
The standard provides detailed procedures for evaluating the performance of DDAs, ensuring they meet the required quality standards. Updated procedures reflect advancements in technology and industry practices, making the standard relevant for maintaining high-quality outputs in various applications.
ASTM parameters and presentation
The ASTM E2597 standard outlines several key parameters for evaluating DDAs, presented in a structured manner to ensure clarity and consistency. Some critical parameters include:
- Interpolated basic spatial resolution (iSRb): Measures the detector’s ability to resolve fine details.
- Efficiency (SNR): Indicates the signal-to-noise ratio at a dose of 1 mGy.
- Achievable contrast sensitivity (CSa): Assesses the detector’s ability to distinguish between different grey levels.
- Specific material thickness range (SMTR): The range of material thicknesses the detector can effectively image.
- ISO-material thickness limit (ISO-MTL): The maximum material thickness the detector can image with acceptable quality.
- Image lag: The persistence of an image after the exposure has ended.
- Burn-in: The detector’s susceptibility to permanent image retention.
- Bad pixel distribution and statistics: The number and distribution of defective or dead pixels.
- Internal scatter ratio (ISR): The amount of scatter within the detector that can affect image quality.
Spider chart
One of the most effective ways to visualize the performance of DDAs is through so-called spider charts. These charts plot the quality numbers of various parameters, making it easy to compare the performance of different detectors. This is an example of a spider chart of the X-Panel 4343a solution from the application note.
The spider web chart clearly shows the strengths and weaknesses of a detector across multiple parameters, allowing for a comprehensive comparison.
Why is ASTM E2597 important?
The importance of ASTM E2597 lies in its ability to provide a consistent and reliable framework for evaluating DDAs. This ensures that products meet the necessary quality and performance criteria, which is essential for industries that rely on these detectors. By following this standard, companies can maintain high-quality outputs and ensure the reliability of their products.
Conclusion
The ASTM E2597 standard is an invaluable resource for understanding the significance of this standard in the industry. By providing a comprehensive evaluation framework, ASTM E2597 ensures that DDAs meet the required quality and performance criteria, helping industries maintain high standards and reliable outputs.
For more detailed information, download the full application note.
