As filtration increases, what happens to the quality and quantity of photons?

Increasing filtration in an x-ray beam primarily affects the beam quality and quantity in a distinctive way. When filtration is applied, low-energy photons, which contribute less to image quality and increase patient dose, are absorbed. This means that the average energy of the remaining photons in the beam increases, thus improving the beam quality.

As for the quantity, the removal of these low-energy photons means that there is a decrease in the total number of photons that reach the detector. Therefore, while the overall energy or quality of the beam improves, the quantity of photons available for imaging diminishes.

This interaction is crucial in diagnostic radiology, as optimizing the balance between beam quality and quantity is essential for achieving the best possible image while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. The key takeaway is that increased filtration enhances the energy of the remaining photons (quality) but reduces the overall number of those photons (quantity) reaching the film or digital detector.