What percentage of the beam is bremsstrahlung above 70 kVp?

Bremsstrahlung radiation accounts for a significant portion of the x-ray beam produced in radiographic imaging. When the kilovolt peak (kVp) exceeds 70, the percentage of the x-ray beam that is bremsstrahlung radiation typically reaches around 85%. This type of radiation results from the deceleration of electrons as they interact with the target material, and its contribution increases with higher energy levels.

As kVp increases, the energy of the electrons also increases, leading to a higher proportion of bremsstrahlung radiation in the spectrum emitted. At 70 kVp and above, the maximum efficiency in producing bremsstrahlung is achieved, explaining why the percentage is notably high at this threshold. This knowledge is crucial for radiographic techniques, as it helps in optimizing image quality and considering the radiation dose to patients.