X-rays can interact with matter through several interactions, the most significant in diagnostic radiology being coherent scattering (Rayleigh scattering and Thomson scattering) and Compton scattering. In Rayleigh scattering, photons are scattered by bound electrons in an atom without exciting or ionizing the atom. In Compton scattering, a high energy photon collides with and ejects a loosely bound electron, becoming deflected and losing some energy. The patient's body is the main source of scattered radiation during an x-ray procedure, degrading image quality and increasing radiation exposure to personnel.