During an x-ray exposure, what percentage of incident electron energy is converted to x-ray photons?

The conversion of incident electron energy into x-ray photons is a crucial aspect of x-ray production in radiologic technology. When high-energy electrons collide with a target, not all of their kinetic energy is transformed into x-ray photons. In fact, it's widely accepted that only a small fraction, approximately 1%, of the incident electron energy is converted into x-ray photons.

The majority of the energy is lost as heat through interactions with the target material. This phenomenon occurs because during the interactions with the atoms of the target, energy is primarily transferred to the processes of ionization and thermal agitation, leading to the production of heat rather than x-ray photons. Therefore, the statement that about 1% of the incident electron energy is converted into x-ray photons accurately reflects the typical efficiency of x-ray production in medical imaging technology. This understanding is fundamental for students in radiologic technology, providing insights into the efficiency and functioning of x-ray machines.