What is the function of a collimator in radiographic equipment?

The function of a collimator in radiographic equipment is primarily to limit the size and shape of the X-ray beam. This precision is essential for several reasons. By effectively restricting the X-ray beam, collimators help focus the radiation on the area of interest, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues and thereby reducing the patient's dose of radiation. Additionally, proper collimation improves image quality by reducing scatter radiation that can degrade the detail of the images captured.

While increasing photon energy pertains to how X-rays interact with matter, and adjusting exposure time and intensity deals with the technical settings of the imaging process, these functions do not directly relate to the structural role of the collimator. The collimator is a crucial part of the radiographic equipment that contributes significantly to patient safety and the quality of diagnostic images.