What factor influences the x-ray spectrum produced?

The x-ray spectrum produced is influenced predominantly by the thickness of the target material. This is because the target interacts with the high-speed electrons generated in the x-ray tube, resulting in the emission of x-rays. The thickness of the target determines the penetration capability and absorptive qualities of the material, thereby affecting both the quantity and quality of the x-rays produced.

A thicker target material can absorb more of the incoming electrons, leading to a broadening of the x-ray spectrum since more interactions can occur within the target before the electrons are completely stopped. This not only produces a variation in the energies of the emitted x-rays but can also affect the overall output efficiency of the x-ray production.

While the speed of the electrons does have an impact on the energy of the x-ray photons generated, it is the conditions of the target that most substantially influence the resultant spectrum. The type of radiation used is more related to the class of radiation (i.e., if it is x-rays versus gamma rays) but does not impact the spectrum of x-rays produced from a given x-ray tube. The material of the cathode primarily impacts the production of electrons rather than the x-ray spectrum itself.