What effect does adding more half-value layers (HVL) have on the quality of the x-ray beam?

Adding more half-value layers (HVL) to the x-ray beam increases the quality of the beam. The half-value layer is a measure of how much material is necessary to reduce the intensity of the x-ray beam by half. When additional HVLs are introduced, it implies that the beam is being filtered more effectively, which removes lower-energy photons that contribute less to the image quality and increase patient dose without providing diagnostic value.

As a result, the remaining beam consists of higher-energy photons, which are more penetrating. This enhancement in beam energy is often referred to as an increase in x-ray beam quality. Higher quality beams produce better contrast and detail in radiographic images, leading to improved diagnostic capabilities. Therefore, the inclusion of more HVLs effectively enhances the overall quality of the x-ray beam, making it a crucial aspect in radiographic procedures.