What is the term for the process in which detectors convert x-ray energy directly into an electrical signal?

The term for the process in which detectors convert x-ray energy directly into an electrical signal is known as direct conversion. In direct conversion systems, the x-ray photons interact with the detector material, leading to the immediate generation of an electrical charge that can be processed into an image. This method is efficient as it allows for a more straightforward conversion of x-ray data into electrical signals without the intermediate steps that are present in indirect conversion methodologies, which typically involve a phosphor layer that converts x-ray energy to visible light before that light is converted to an electrical signal. Understanding the mechanics of direct conversion is important because it impacts the speed and quality of imaging in medical settings.