Final answer:
Lower resolution in indirect conversion systems is caused by the scattering of light, lower energy of photons, and the absorption of photons by the phosphor layer, leading to less detail and poorer image quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indirect conversion systems may produce lower resolution images due to the scattering of light. When light reflects from a medium having an index of refraction less than that of the medium in which it is traveling, the light rays can diverge, leading to less precise imagery. Furthermore, the energy of photons is crucial in image formation. Photons with energy lower than the binding energy of the electrons at the surface or a very small number of photons result in poor image quality. Additionally, high frequency electromagnetic radiation (EM) photons carry less energy and can disrupt materials through the photoelectric effect less effectively.
In the context of indirect conversion in digital radiography, the images are created by converting X-rays into visible light through a phosphor layer before being captured on an image sensor. However, some photons may be absorbed in the top layers, and others may not contribute effectively to the image if they do not reach the image sensor. This can lead to significant information loss, affecting the resolution and quality of the resulting image.