What happens to x-ray beam quality when kilovoltage peak (kVp) is increased?

Increasing the kilovoltage peak (kVp) has a direct and significant impact on the quality of the x-ray beam. As kVp is raised, the energy of the x-ray photons also increases. Higher energy photons penetrate tissues more effectively, which enhances the overall quality of the x-ray beam.

When kVp increases, the resultant beam not only becomes more penetrative but also produces a wider range of photon energies. This increase in energy results in greater contrast on images, allowing for better differentiation between structures within the body. Additionally, higher kVp reduces the likelihood of photon absorption by the tissues, leading to an increase in the intensity of the x-ray beam that reaches the detector.

This improved quality also means that the scatter radiation is minimized, contributing to sharper and clearer images with improved detail, especially in denser body parts. Therefore, increasing the kVp is a fundamental technique used in radiography to enhance image quality and diagnostic efficacy.