gammastrålningen

Gammastrålning, or gamma radiation, is a form of electromagnetic radiation originating from the nucleus of an atom. It is characterized by its high energy and short wavelength, falling at the higher frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays are distinct from X-rays, although both are high-energy forms of electromagnetic radiation; gamma rays are produced by nuclear processes, while X-rays are typically generated by electron interactions.

The primary source of gamma radiation is radioactive decay, specifically processes like gamma decay where an excited atomic nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma photons to reach a lower energy state. Nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in nuclear reactors or nuclear explosions, also produce gamma rays. Certain astronomical phenomena, like supernovae and pulsars, are significant sources of gamma radiation in the universe.

Due to their high energy, gamma rays are highly penetrating and can pass through many materials that are opaque to visible light or X-rays. This penetrating power makes them useful in applications such as medical imaging (e.g., PET scans), cancer therapy (radiotherapy), and industrial radiography for inspecting materials. However, their ionizing nature also means they can damage living tissue and DNA, necessitating careful shielding and handling when working with radioactive sources. The measurement of gamma radiation is typically done using detectors like Geiger counters or scintillation detectors.