røntgenstrålediffraktion

Røntgenstråled, also known as X-rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to photon energies between 124 eV and 124 keV. Discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895, X-rays were initially termed "X-Strahlen" due to their unknown nature. They are produced when high-energy electrons strike a metal target, causing a rapid deceleration of the electrons and the emission of X-ray photons.

The penetrating power of X-rays allows them to pass through many materials that are opaque to visible light. This property is fundamental to their widespread use in medical imaging. When X-rays pass through the human body, different tissues absorb varying amounts of radiation. Dense tissues like bone absorb more X-rays, appearing lighter on an X-ray image, while softer tissues absorb less and appear darker. This differential absorption creates a visual representation of internal structures.

Beyond medical diagnostics, X-rays have applications in security screening, industrial inspection, and scientific research. In astronomy, X-ray telescopes observe celestial objects that emit X-rays, providing insights into phenomena like black holes and supernovae. However, due to their ionizing nature, prolonged or excessive exposure to X-rays can be harmful to living organisms, necessitating careful handling and protective measures in all applications. The development of X-ray technology has revolutionized many fields, offering unprecedented views into the unseen world.