What phenomenon occurs when a steep target angle is utilized?

Utilizing a steep target angle in x-ray tubes primarily enhances the heel effect. The heel effect is a phenomenon where there is a variation in radiation intensity across the radiographic field due to the angled target. When the target angle is steep, it causes more significant absorption of x-rays on the anode side, leading to higher intensity on the cathode side.

This results in a more pronounced contrast between the two sides of the beam, where the x-ray intensity diminishes the further away from the anode side you measure. This can affect image quality, as it may cause uneven exposure if not compensated for in imaging techniques, particularly in large field sizes.

Although a steep target angle may influence output and spatial resolution, its most notable impact is on the heel effect. Options related to increased output and improved spatial resolution do not specifically relate to the steep target angle in the same defining manner as the heel effect. Therefore, the focus is notably on how a steep target angle exacerbates the heel effect.