What is the primary outcome of bremsstrahlung interaction?

The primary outcome of bremsstrahlung interaction is the conversion of kinetic energy of high-speed electrons into X-ray photons, but it's crucial to understand how this process typically unfolds in practice. When high-energy electrons are decelerated as they pass near the nucleus of an atom, they lose energy. A significant portion, approximately 99%, of the energy lost during this interaction is transformed into heat. This occurs due to the multiple interactions between the electrons and the target material, where only a small fraction of the energy is converted into X-rays.

In the context of fluoroscopy and radiology, understanding that most of the energy is dissipated as heat is important for equipment operation and safety measures. Efficient cooling systems are often required in X-ray machines to manage the heat generated from bremsstrahlung interactions, emphasizing the need to ensure that the system remains within safe temperature ranges for both the equipment and the patients being examined. The conversion to X-rays does occur, but it does not account for the majority of the energy transformation in a typical bremsstrahlung process.