What is a charge coupled device (CCD) primarily used for in radiology?

A charge coupled device (CCD) is primarily utilized in radiology for converting light into electrical energy. This process is fundamental to imaging technologies, as CCDs are sensitive to light and can transform the light captured from a scene into electronic signals. These signals are then processed to create high-quality medical images.

In radiology, CCDs play a crucial role in digital imaging systems, such as in computed radiography and digital radiography, where they capture the light emitted from phosphor plates or directly from the X-ray tube. This conversion is critical for producing images that can be analyzed for diagnostic purposes.

While the other options relate to various technologies and concepts, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a CCD in radiology. For example, converting sound waves into images pertains to ultrasound technology rather than imaging capture. Reducing scatter radiation pertains to techniques and devices used to minimize the dispersal of radiation but is unrelated to the function of CCDs. Storing image data is more closely associated with digital storage systems such as hard drives or cloud storage, rather than the role of CCDs in the immediate conversion of light to electrical signals.