Which of the following DEL sizes would provide the highest spatial resolution?

• A. 1.0mm
• B. 2.0mm
• C. 0.1mm
• D. 1.5mm

Answer: (C)

Smaller detector element sizes yield higher spatial resolution because they create finer sampling of the image. Each detector element acts like a pixel; when those pixels are tiny, the system can distinguish smaller details and the image appears sharper. Among the options, the 0.1 mm detector element is by far the smallest, so it samples the image more finely and captures finer structures than 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm elements. Larger DEL sizes cover more area per element, which blends or blurs small details and reduces the ability to resolve fine features. Note that very small DELs can bring increased image noise or require more exposure to maintain signal, but for resolving detail alone, the smallest DEL provides the highest spatial resolution.