What is a photon in the context of radiography?

In the context of radiography, a photon is a quantum of energy that represents the fundamental particle of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Photons are crucial in radiography as they are the entities that interact with matter to produce images. When X-rays are generated, they consist of photons that travel through the body and capture different levels of absorption in tissues, forming the images we see on radiographic films or digital detectors.

The energy carried by photons is determined by their wavelength; shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons. This is vital for radiographic applications, as the energy of photons affects their ability to penetrate different tissues in the body. The specific interactions of these photons with materials create the contrasts necessary for diagnostic imaging, allowing healthcare professionals to visualize structures and identify anomalies.