Gammafotoni

Gammafotoni, also known as gamma rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with the highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by nuclear processes such as radioactive decay and nuclear fission, as well as by high-energy astronomical events like supernovae and the accretion disks of black holes. Gamma rays have very short wavelengths and high frequencies, meaning they are highly energetic.

Unlike X-rays, which are typically produced by electron interactions, gamma rays originate from the nucleus of an atom. They are characterized by their ability to penetrate matter deeply, which makes them useful in medical imaging (like PET scans) and cancer treatment (radiotherapy). However, their high energy also makes them ionizing radiation, capable of damaging biological tissues and DNA. Therefore, shielding with dense materials like lead is necessary when working with or around gamma-ray sources. The detection of gamma rays is crucial in fields ranging from astrophysics to nuclear physics, allowing scientists to study the most energetic phenomena in the universe and the fundamental properties of matter.