What is the "unseen" image contained in the image receptor before processing called?

The term used to describe the "unseen" image contained in the image receptor before it undergoes processing is known as the latent image. This latent image is a result of the interaction between the x-rays and the photosensitive material within the receptor, whether that be film or a digital detector. In film, the latent image is formed when x-rays expose the emulsion layer, creating a pattern that is not visible until the film is developed.

The process of developing the film or processing the digital sensor will then reveal the visible image, which is what radiologists work with for diagnosis. Understanding the concept of the latent image is crucial, as it relates to the fundamental working principles of how images are captured and processed in radiography. This concept highlights the importance of proper processing techniques to ensure the latent image is effectively converted into a diagnostic image.