Which physical phenomena does the term beam hardening describe? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

Which physical phenomena does the term beam hardening describe?

Asked by Poppy, Last updated: Mar 30, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

2 Answers

E. Stanley

E. Stanley

E. Stanley
E. Stanley, Technical writer, Indianapolis

Answered Aug 29, 2018

The answer to this is Beam hardening. Beam hardening is described as the x-ray beam passes through the item or the object that is being x-rayed. This means that the lower energy photons do not contribute to the beam anymore it is only high energy photons that change the overall state of the beam. This is the reason why it is called “hardened.”

Take note that hardening does not only occur in x-rays alone. There are some who report this same phenomenon when using CT scan or even when doing radiography. This can change the reading on the results of the machines that may lead to misdiagnosis and other possible problems.

upvote downvote
Reply 

John Smith

John Smith

John Smith
John Smith

Answered Sep 08, 2016

The increase in average photon energy of a heterogeneous x-ray beam
Beam hardening occurs as the x-ray beam traverses the patient. The x-ray beam used in CT is composed of x-ray photons with numerouse different energy levels. The heterogeneous beam undergoes an increase in average photon energy as it passes through the patient and the lower energy hpotons are absorbed.
upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.