What is added to the port of an X-ray tube to help remove long-wavelength radiation?

In X-ray tubes, aluminum filtration is an important component that is specifically designed to enhance image quality and ensure patient safety. The primary function of aluminum filters is to absorb long-wavelength, low-energy X-rays that do not contribute to useful imaging but instead increase the radiation dose to the patient.

Long-wavelength X-rays, also known as soft X-rays, have less penetrating power and are less effective in forming diagnostic images. By incorporating aluminum filtration, these non-essential radiation components are attenuated, allowing only the higher-energy, more penetrating X-rays to pass through. This process not only improves the quality of the X-ray beam by ensuring that it is more focused on diagnostic purposes but also reduces the overall dose of radiation exposure that the patient receives, thereby enhancing safety.

The inclusion of a filter made from aluminum is a standard practice in radiography to maximize the efficiency of the X-ray production process while minimizing unnecessary exposure.