What does the term 'latent image' refer to in radiography?

In radiography, the term 'latent image' is used to describe the image that has been captured on the radiographic film or sensor but has not yet undergone the development process. This latent image is a result of the interaction between the x-ray photons and the photosensitive emulsion on the film or sensor. While the exposure creates a pattern of varying densities on the film, the image remains invisible until it is chemically developed, which converts the latent image into a visible radiograph that can be analyzed for diagnostic purposes.

Understanding the concept of a latent image is crucial in radiography as it emphasizes the importance of the development process and the fact that the initial exposure to x-rays does not produce an immediately observable result. This knowledge plays a significant role in understanding how images are captured and processed in medical imaging.