What is the purpose of a beam limiter?

The purpose of a beam limiter is to restrict the size of the radiation beam. This function is critical in radiographic testing as it helps to minimize the area that is irradiated, which has several important benefits. By limiting the beam size, the amount of radiation exposure to both the subject and personnel can be significantly reduced. This not only protects individuals from unnecessary radiation but also enhances the quality of the image by reducing scatter radiation that can degrade image contrast.

Additionally, properly limiting the beam size is in line with the principle of "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA), which emphasizes the importance of minimizing radiation exposure in all radiographic practices. When the beam is confined to only the area of interest, it leads to clearer images and better diagnostic quality, as well as more accurate evaluations of the materials being tested. Therefore, limiting the beam size plays a vital role in enhancing safety and effectiveness in radiographic testing.