The optimal X-ray tube voltage depends on the sample's material and thickness. To determine the ideal setting, start by imaging the sample at a low tube voltage and gradually increase it. A good guideline is to adjust the voltage so that the brightest parts of the image fall around the 80% mark on the brightness histogram. This provides a clear image with good contrast while preventing oversaturation (also known as "blown-out highlights"), where detail in bright areas is lost.
If the contrast in the area of interest remains low, you can further enhance the image using post-processing functions like gamma correction or histogram equalization.
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