What is the main purpose of using a collimator in x-ray imaging?

The main purpose of using a collimator in x-ray imaging is to focus the x-ray beam on the area of interest. By restricting the beam size, the collimator helps to ensure that only the targeted area is exposed to radiation, thereby minimizing unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues. This is crucial for protecting patients from excessive radiation while maintaining image quality and diagnostic capability.

In addition to concentrating the beam, using a collimator can also improve the contrast and clarity of the images by reducing scatter radiation that could otherwise degrade image quality. This is essential in clinical practice where accurate diagnostics are critical, making the collimator an important tool for enhancing patient safety and improving the effectiveness of x-ray imaging.