Why is beryllium useful in X-ray equipment?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Beryllium is highly valued in the construction of X-ray equipment primarily due to its low atomic weight. This property allows the metal to transmit X-rays 17 times more effectively than aluminum, making it an ideal material for the windows of X-ray tubes.1

Additionally, beryllium oxide is utilized in X-ray equipment as a component in phosphors.2