Röntgensäteille

Röntgensäteille, often referred to as X-rays in English, are a form of electromagnetic radiation discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. They fall within the electromagnetic spectrum between ultraviolet light and gamma rays, possessing wavelengths typically ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers and frequencies from 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz. This high energy allows them to penetrate matter that is opaque to visible light.

The generation of X-rays commonly occurs when high-speed electrons collide with a metal target, such as tungsten, within a vacuum tube called an X-ray tube. This interaction causes the electrons to decelerate rapidly, emitting X-rays. The penetrating power of X-rays depends on their energy, which is determined by the voltage applied to the X-ray tube.

Röntgensäteille have numerous applications. In medicine, they are widely used for diagnostic imaging due to their ability to pass through soft tissues but be absorbed by denser materials like bone, creating contrast on photographic film or digital detectors. This allows for the visualization of fractures, tumors, and other internal structures. Industrial applications include material analysis, security screening, and non-destructive testing of welds and components. Their energetic nature also makes them useful in radiotherapy for treating cancer, though careful control is necessary to minimize damage to healthy tissues.