Methods to calculate the lens efficiency in optically coupled CCD x-ray imaging systems

In lens-coupled CCD x-ray imaging, the lens efficiency is of critical importance for attaining an x-ray quantum-noise-limited system. However, the equations and the associated parameters of this process have not always been used properly in some of the literature. This can result in the incorrect estimation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In practice, it is found more convenient to use lens-coupling efficiency equations which assume that the scintillating screen is an extended Lambertian source, since the number of light photons emerging from various scintillating screens has been measured and reported by several investigators. This communication examines several of the most common types of lens-coupling efficiency equations and explains how to use them correctly with other parameters to calculate the SNR of a lens-coupled CCD x-ray imaging system.