X-ray lead screen

X-ray lead screen

In industrial radiography (NDT), a Lead Screen (also known as an intensifying or foil screen) is a thin sheet of lead placed

in direct contact with X-ray film to enhance image quality and reduce exposure times .

The lead screen performs two critical functions during the exposure:

Front Screen (Source Side): Placed between the radiation source and the film. It absorbs low-energy scatter from the test object, preventing "fogging" on the film, while the high-energy radiation passes through to create the primary image .
Back Screen (Opposite Side): Placed behind the film. It absorbs backscatter radiation coming from the floor, walls, or equipment behind the cassette, protecting the film from unwanted exposure .
Intensification: The lead emits electrons when struck by radiation, which adds to the photographic effect on the film, shortening the exposure time needed.