What is a common use for a wedge filter?

A wedge filter is commonly used to balance radiation dose for varying tissue thicknesses. In medical imaging, particularly in fluoroscopy and radiography, different body parts can vary greatly in thickness and density. When imaging areas with significant differences in tissue thickness, such as the chest or abdomen, a wedge filter can help even out the exposure by attenuating the x-ray beam more effectively through the thicker areas while allowing more radiation to pass through the thinner sections. This ensures that the resultant image has better uniformity and contrast, improving diagnostic quality.

Consequently, using a wedge filter can help avoid issues like over-exposure in thinner areas and under-exposure in thicker areas, providing a more consistent dose distribution across the radiographed object. This is essential for ensuring image quality and minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, achieving a balance that aids in accurate diagnostics.