gammasäteille

Gammasäteille, also known as gamma rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelengths and highest photon energies in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions around black holes. Gamma rays have wavelengths less than about 10 picometers, and frequencies above about 10 exahertz (EHz).

Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can pass through most materials, including human tissue. This property makes them useful in medical imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans. However, they are also highly ionizing, meaning they can cause significant damage to living cells and tissues. Prolonged exposure to gamma rays can lead to radiation sickness and increase the risk of cancer.

Gamma rays are detected using specialized instruments such as scintillation detectors, which convert the energy of incoming gamma rays into measurable light pulses. These detectors are used in various applications, including astronomy, nuclear medicine, and industrial radiography.

In astronomy, gamma-ray observations provide valuable insights into the most energetic processes in the universe. Gamma-ray telescopes, such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, have detected gamma-ray bursts, which are among the most powerful explosions in the universe, and have helped in the study of active galactic nuclei and dark matter.