Final answer:
A flat panel detector in DR tech converts x-rays to electronic signals for digital images, using solid-state detectors for higher efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A flat panel detector is used in Direct Radiography (DR) technology to convert x-rays into electronic signals that can be processed to produce digital images. Unlike older technologies that used cathode ray tubes (CRTs), these detectors leverage solid-state radiation detectors and semiconductors to achieve higher efficiency and better image quality. These panels are part of the shift toward digital imaging in medical diagnostics, offering advantages in image acquisition speed, resolution, and patient radiation dose management.