shortwavelength

Short wavelength refers to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths toward the lower end of the spectrum, or shorter than a given reference range. In common usage it contrasts with long wavelengths such as those used in radio communication, and it generally denotes higher photon energies and frequencies.

In the electromagnetic spectrum, short wavelengths extend from the near-ultraviolet to gamma rays and beyond. Visible light ends at about 380–750 nanometers, with shorter wavelengths entering the violet region. Ultraviolet ranges roughly from 10 to 400 nanometers, X-rays span from about 0.01 to 10 nanometers, and gamma rays lie below ~0.01 nanometers. The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength, given by E = hν = hc/λ, so shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energies and more penetrating interactions with matter. The associated de Broglie wavelengths of high-energy particles, such as electrons accelerated in microscopes, also fall into the short-wavelength regime, enabling high-resolution imaging.

Interactions with matter become more significant at short wavelengths. Short-wavelength photons are more likely to be absorbed or to cause ionization, leading to effects such as photoelectric emission, fluorescence, and radiation damage. The atmosphere and various materials provide substantial shielding against ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma radiation, influencing how these waves are produced, transmitted, and detected.

Applications of short-wavelength radiation include ultraviolet sterilization, UV and X-ray imaging in medicine, X-ray crystallography, and extreme ultraviolet lithography for semiconductor manufacturing. Safety considerations, shielding, and dose measurement are important in both research and clinical contexts.