One way to improve upon the detection limits for digital images involves increasing the number of counts per pixel. Eight bits, or 1 byte (256 counts), per pixel is most commonly used for monochrome optical, electron and x-ray imaging. This number is well matched to the human eye which can discern approximately 128 gray values, while photographic and some laser printer outputs have the capability of displaying nearly 256 gray values. When the counts exceed 8 bits/pixel the recorded image file size will likely double to 16 bits/pixel. With the better imaging detection limits we are faced with the technical problem of how to view more than 256 gray levels.