What is a common role of filters in X-ray equipment?

Filters in X-ray equipment perform the vital function of absorbing low-energy X-rays. This is essential for improving the overall quality of the X-ray beam produced. Low-energy X-rays contribute minimally to imaging and can increase the patient's exposure to radiation without adding diagnostic value. By using filters, these less useful low-energy X-rays are selectively removed from the beam, allowing for a more effective and efficient radiation dose that primarily consists of higher-energy X-rays capable of penetrating tissue adequately for diagnostic purposes.

This selective absorption not only enhances the quality of the X-ray images by reducing scatter and noise but also ensures that the patient receives the minimum necessary radiation exposure, which is a crucial aspect of radiation safety in medical imaging. In practical terms, filters are often made from materials such as aluminum, which effectively block these low-energy photons while allowing the more penetrating X-rays to pass through.