Gammastrahlern

Gammastrahlern, or gamma-ray radiators, are devices or materials that emit gamma rays. Emission occurs mainly through radioactive decay or nuclear transitions, and most practical sources are sealed to limit leakage and facilitate shielding.

Common gamma radiators include sealed sources based on cobalt-60, iridium-192, and cesium-137. Cobalt-60 provides high-energy beams for external radiotherapy; iridium-192 is used in brachytherapy and industrial radiography; cesium-137 serves similar roles in some radiography and sterilization tasks.

Medical diagnostics employ gamma emitters in radiopharmaceuticals such as technetium-99m and iodine-131 for imaging and therapy, typically used within controlled clinical procedures.

Applications span medicine, industry and research: teletherapy and brachytherapy, diagnostic imaging, non-destructive testing, material analysis, and sterilization.

Safety and regulation require shielding, dose monitoring, secure containment, and regulated transport. Licensing and waste management are overseen by national authorities and international bodies like the IAEA, with standards aimed at minimizing exposure to patients, workers, and the public.

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