Which waveform type is associated with increased patient dose due to lower efficiency?

The single-phase half-wave rectified waveform is associated with increased patient dose due to its lower efficiency. This is primarily because, in this type of waveform, only half of the incoming AC waveform is utilized for x-ray production. The result is that a significant amount of time during which no x-rays are generated leads to the need for higher exposure times to achieve adequate image quality.

As a consequence of these longer exposure times, there is an increased dose of radiation delivered to the patient. The half-wave rectification process effectively reduces the number of x-ray photons produced per unit of time, necessitating a longer exposure duration to obtain the desired diagnostic information. Other waveform types, such as three-phase and high-frequency waveforms, are designed to provide higher efficiency in x-ray production, leading to shorter exposure times and ultimately lower patient doses. Thus, the single-phase half-wave rectified option stands out for its association with higher patient doses due to its inefficient use of the electrical input.