The electromagnetic spectrum includes many waves, but gamma rays have the
most energy and have the shortest wavelengths. The universe's hottest and most
energetic objects, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and
regions near black holes, all create them. Nuclear explosions, lightning, and the
less spectacular process of radioactive decay all produce gamma waves here on
Earth.
How do we detect them?
Gamma rays cannot be captured by mirrors and reflected, unlike optical light and
x-rays. As gamma ray wavelengths are so short, they may traverse the area within
atoms in a detector. Blocks of crystal are often tightly packed in gamma-ray
detectors. Gamma rays collide with the crystal's electrons as they pass through.
Gamma rays lose energy when they collide with an electron in a process known as
Compton scattering. The sensor may pick up on the charged particles that are
created by these collisions.
Gamma Ray Bursts and what we would see if we could see them
Since the Big Bang, gamma-ray bursts have been the most intense and powerful
electromagnetic events. They can release more energy in ten seconds than our Sun
will in its estimated 10-billion-year lifespan!
Gamma rays would appear unusual and foreign in the night sky if we could see
them. Instead of the familiar view of constantly glowing constellations, there
would be a continuous stream of high-energy gamma radiation bursts that fluctuate
in duration from a few fractions of a second to several minutes, popping like
cosmic flashbulbs, briefly dominating the gamma-ray sky, and then fading.
Use of gamma rays- Composition of planets
Gamma rays can be used by scientists to identify the elements on distant planets.
The gamma-ray spectrometer (GRS) aboard the Mercury Surface, Space
Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft can detect
gamma rays emitted by atom nuclei on the planet Mercury's surface after being
struck by cosmic rays. Chemical components in soils and rocks release very
identifiable traces of energy in the form of gamma rays when cosmic rays strike
them. This data can help researchers in their search for geologically significant
elements including sodium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, oxygen, iron, and
titanium.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
An example of a radiotherapy treatment is gamma knife radiosurgery. Another
name for it is stereotactic radiosurgery. Although a Gamma Knife procedure is
called a surgery, incisions are not used. The Gamma Knife employs extremely
precise gamma ray beams to treat a lesion or growth (tumor). It is mostly used in
the brain. Without the requirement for an incision, the gamma radiation beams
provide a highly powerful amount of radiation to a small area. Cells are destroyed
by radiosurgery so they cannot grow. With time, a lesion or tumor will get smaller.
Because the outcome is similar to removing a lesion with surgery, gamma knife
radiosurgery is referred to as a surgery. With little impact on surrounding healthy
tissue, the radiation beams are carefully directed to target the lesion.
Sterilization
Since it eliminates bacterial DNA and prevents bacterial reproduction, gamma
irradiation is a physical/chemical method of sterilization. The equipment is
exposed to gamma ray energy, which damages the contaminating bacteria.
Contaminating organisms either perish as a result of these molecular modifications,
or they become incapable of reproducing. The gamma irradiation procedure leaves
no residue or radioactivity in the things that are handled. Depending on the
material's thickness, complete penetration is achievable.
Dangers
Gamma rays possess great energy that enables them to penetrate almost anything;
even bones and teeth. This renders gamma rays extremely hazardous. They can
alter genes, kill living cells, and cause cancer; ironically.
Comentarios