What is the primary purpose of using filters in X-ray production?

The primary purpose of using filters in X-ray production is to absorb low-energy X-rays and thereby reduce the patient dose. During the X-ray process, not all emitted X-rays contribute to the image formation; some are of low energy and primarily contribute to unnecessary radiation exposure rather than useful diagnostic information.

Filters are strategically placed in the X-ray beam path to selectively attenuate these low-energy photons. By reducing the number of low-energy X-rays that reach the patient, filters decrease the overall radiation dose, which is crucial for patient safety. This aspect of radiation protection is essential in medical imaging, as it helps to minimize the potential risks associated with ionizing radiation, without compromising the quality of the diagnostic images obtained.

In addition to this, when filters are applied, the average energy of the remaining X-rays in the beam becomes higher, which can enhance image contrast due to the more penetrating X-rays being better suited for diagnostic purposes. However, the fundamental goal remains patient safety through dose reduction.