Xrøntgen

Xrøntgen refers to X-ray radiation, a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation used to image the interior of objects. It was discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who observed that a fluorescent screen glowed when exposed to a cathode ray tube, revealing that the rays could pass through soft tissues but were absorbed by denser materials such as bone. The name reflects an unknown type of radiation; in Norwegian and related languages the term Xrøntgen is used for X-ray imaging.

In medical practice, Xrøntgen imaging relies on X-ray tubes to generate photons that traverse the body and strike detectors. Dense structures such as bone absorb more radiation, appearing white on the image, while soft tissue appears in grayscale and air appears black. Common techniques include standard radiography, fluoroscopy for real-time imaging, and computed tomography (CT), which reconstructs cross-sectional images from multiple projections. Industrial radiography uses the same principles to inspect welds and castings, and security and research applications employ X-ray scanners.

Xrøntgen imaging involves ionizing radiation and carries a potential to cause cellular damage, though diagnostic doses are small. Safety measures emphasize shielding, proper exposure settings, minimizing retakes, and the ALARA principle to minimize dose. In medicine, imaging protocols are tailored to clinical needs, with ongoing evaluation of benefits versus risks. The discovery of Xrøntgen profoundly influenced medicine, biology and industry by enabling non-invasive diagnosis, treatment planning, and materials testing.