How does the probability of Compton interaction change with an increase in photon energy?

The probability of Compton interaction decreases with an increase in photon energy due to the nature of the interaction itself. Compton scattering occurs when a photon collides with a loosely bound or free electron, resulting in the transfer of energy from the photon to the electron. As the energy of the incident photon increases, the likelihood of this interaction occurring decreases because higher energy photons are less likely to transfer a sufficient portion of their energy to the electrons involved in the interaction.

In the context of photon interactions, it is important to understand how the attenuation of X-ray or gamma-ray photons is affected by energy. At lower energy levels, photons have a higher probability of interacting with matter via Compton scattering. As the photon energy increases past a certain threshold, other interaction types, such as pair production, may become more dominant, but specifically for Compton scattering, the number of interactions diminishes.

This fundamental principle of photon interactions is crucial for medical dosimetry as it directly impacts the calculations and predictions made regarding radiation dose distribution within tissues. Understanding the relationship between photon energy and interaction probability helps medical dosimetrists design effective treatment plans while minimizing unwanted radiation exposure to healthy tissues.