A digital image receptor exposed to 50% less radiation than optimal will primarily display which artifact?

When a digital image receptor is exposed to 50% less radiation than optimal, the primary artifact that will be displayed is quantum noise. This type of noise occurs because the detector receives insufficient photons to create a clear image, resulting in a grainy appearance. Each pixel in a digital image represents a certain amount of radiation exposure; with decreased radiation exposure, the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced. Consequently, the lack of sufficient information to accurately represent the image results in visible fluctuations in pixel brightness, which is perceived as noise.

In this situation, other types of artifacts, such as motion blur, image saturation, and contrast enhancement, are less relevant. Motion blur typically occurs during image capture due to patient movement, not as a result of insufficient radiation exposure. Image saturation happens when the receptor is exposed to an excessive amount of radiation, leading to loss of detail in the brightest areas. Contrast enhancement refers to techniques used to improve the distinction between different tissue types but is not an artifact resulting from underexposure. Therefore, quantum noise is the most accurate description of the artifact produced by underexposure in digital radiography.