Gamma-Rays

Gamma radiation (Ɣ) | Frequencies: 30EHz – 300EHz (0.01nm-1pm)

Language English

Sources and Uses

Nuclear radioisotopes – applications according to production procedures
Mined non-enriched nuclear materials (uranium mines)
Enriched radioisotopes for fission
Nuclear fission of radioactive material
- Spontaneous (nuclear weapons)
- Controlled (reactors)
Bursts of gamma rays from collapsing astronomical objects, collapsing galaxies
Gamma emission from collision of cosmic radiation with the atmosphere
Gamma emission from transformation of particles into electron-positron energy (annihilation)
Medical applications: sterilization, planned mutations, clinical monitoring and follow-up

Nuclear medicine – Radiotherapy
- Treatment of tumors, medical tracers for radiography
- single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) - 3D imaging in nuclear medicine
- Positron emission tomography (PET) – tomography of energy released through positron-electron annihilation by gamma emissions (energy of 0.511MeV)
Industrial uses: tracers and measuring instruments based on radioactive Co-60 or Cs-137 (tracers), smoke detectors, industrial measurement probes
Non-destructive investigation of the internal structure of materials in the refining, mining, chemical, food, detergent and paper industries
Nuclear energy, nuclear reactors
Military applications, nuclear arms
Scientific research: astronomy, space, nuclear engineering, medicine