What is the term for emulsion damage caused by a wide range of temperature differences in processing chemicals?

The term for emulsion damage caused by wide temperature differences in processing chemicals is reticulation. Reticulation occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature during the processing phase of film development, typically between the developer and fixer solutions. This rapid temperature variation can lead to the formation of a network-like pattern on the film's emulsion, appearing as a series of cracks or a mottled texture.

Understanding reticulation is crucial for maintaining high-quality radiographic images. When radiographic film is processed, it is important to keep the temperatures consistent to avoid such damage, which ultimately affects the clarity and diagnostic quality of the images produced. Reticulation can render film unusable due to the compromised integrity of the image and details, emphasizing the importance of temperature control during the film developing process.