Understanding And Using Gamma Rays

Although only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can be seen by the human eye, people depend on the energy from the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum every day. Gamma rays might be familiar from comic books and superhero movies, but few know that gamma ray bursts are the most spectacular explosions observed in the universe. This book gives readers a look into the discovery, history, and uses of gamma rays. It's a perfect complement to the Next Generation Science Standards in electromagnetic radiation, and a perfect glimpse into how electromagnetic radiation is affecting us every day.

This book deals with gamma radiation in many fields, which encompasses diverse factors that affect human and animal life inside an environment. These fields include nuclear and medical physics, industrial processes, environmental sciences, radiation biology, radiation chemistry, radiotherapy, agriculture and forestry, sterilization, the food industry, and so on. The book covers an overview of gamma background radiations and measurements, radioactive decay, radioecological applications in environmental gamma dosimetry, gamma-ray interaction, monocolor gamma, influence of gamma radiation on dynamical mechanical properties, influence of low-dose gamma irradiation treatments on microbial decontamination, gamma-ray ionization enhancement in tissues, gas-filled surge arresters, modeling plastic deformation located in irradiated materials, radiotherapy, application of radiation and genetic engineering techniques, and gamma-ray measurements using unmanned aerial systems. This book is expected to benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, teachers, practitioners, policy makers, and every individual who has a concern for a healthy life.

A brief, cutting-edge introduction to the brightest cosmic phenomena known to science Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest—and, until recently, among the least understood—cosmic events in the universe. Discovered by chance during the cold war, these evanescent high-energy explosions confounded astronomers for decades. But a rapid series of startling breakthroughs beginning in 1997 revealed that the majority of gamma-ray bursts are caused by the explosions of young and massive stars in the vast star-forming cauldrons of distant galaxies. New findings also point to very different origins for some events, serving to complicate but enrich our understanding of the exotic and violent universe. What Are Gamma-Ray Bursts? is a succinct introduction to this fast-growing subject, written by an astrophysicist who is at the forefront of today's research into these incredible cosmic phenomena. Joshua Bloom gives readers a concise and accessible overview of gamma-ray bursts and the theoretical framework that physicists have developed to make sense of complex observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. He traces the history of remarkable discoveries that led to our current understanding of gamma-ray bursts, and reveals the decisive role these phenomena could play in the grand pursuits of twenty-first century astrophysics, from studying gravity waves and unveiling the growth of stars and galaxies after the big bang to surmising the ultimate fate of the universe itself. What Are Gamma-Ray Bursts? is an essential primer to this exciting frontier of scientific inquiry, and a must-read for anyone seeking to keep pace with cutting-edge developments in physics today.

"In this book, authors present current research, studies and technologies to look deeper into gamma rays. The chapters discussed in this book are useful for shielding and dosimetric application for gamma rays in science and engineering. This book focuses on knowledge about production, absorption and measurement of gamma rays, geological objects and gamma radiation, interaction parameters for shielding and dosimetric interest, induced gamma rays, shielding materials, back scattering and various applications. The book demonstrates the theoretical, experimental and simulation for interaction of gamma rays with different types of materials. A thorough description of gamma rays interaction, application of interaction parameters, shielding assessment and dosimetric applications are seen throughout the chapters. Summarized highlights are depicted in each chapter for further utilization of knowledge. This book is an excellent learning tool for the radiation physics scientific community. It can also be used as a self-learning book to understand gamma rays. This book is a collection of investigations for students, researchers and scientists working in the field of radiation physics. Authors of respective chapters are solely responsible for plagiarism of content in their chapters, and regarding the permissions for the previously published work (text and diagrams). The journey of writing the book could only be completed with the strong support of editor's organizations, family members and authors. Authors have participated by sharing research work in the form of chapters. A collection of suitable chapters forms the present book"--

"Gamma radiation is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. This type of radiation imparts the highest photon energy, and while it can damage the human body, it also provides several practical applications. Chapter One describes the application of gamma radiation for the sterilization process in medical devices, the food industry, and nuclear power plants, as well as its behavior, properties, and other applications. Chapter Two deals with the effects induced by gamma radiation, new research focused on the changes caused by gamma radiation, and the contributions of dosimetry to the understanding of gamma radiation. Chapter Three describes the use of radiation for inducing mutations in modern plant breeding. Chapter Four analyzes the effects of gamma irradiation on different carbon-based nanomaterials. Lastly, Chapter Five addresses the importance of using polylactic acid and gamma radiation for producing novel polymer composites, which enhance their sustainability and environmental aspects"--

What do a nuclear bomb, a mummy, a counterfeit bill, and a broken arm have in common? The answer is X-ray technology. Most people are probably familiar with the X-rays used in medicine, which can show organs within a body. This book explores the history of radiography and how it came to be one of the most useful tools in medicine. It also delves into the limits of radiography and the effects of ionizing radiation on living things. It further investigates many other uses of X-rays, including nuclear weaponry and counterfeit detection.

Gamma rays, also known as gamma radiation, is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. For imparting the highest photon energy, it consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves. To understand and identify the decaying radionuclides, the use of gamma spectroscopy is essential. Radioactive decay, terrestrial thunderstorms, solar flares, cosmic rays, pulsars and magnetars, and quasars are some of its main sources. Gamma rays that originate on earth are typically a result of radioactive decay and secondary radiation from the atmospheric interaction of cosmic ray particles. This book elucidates new techniques of gamma rays, current trends and future prospects in a multidisciplinary manner. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

This is an insightful book based on the study of electromagnetic radiations. It throws light on the characteristics and nature of gamma radiations. It also highlights the various options of gamma radiation application in fields like nuclear physics, industrial procedures, environmental science, radiation biology, radiation chemistry, agriculture and forestry, sterilization and food industry. Analysis of the pros and cons of functioning of these applications has also been discussed. The book mainly targets anyone who are engaged in any field related to gamma radiations, ranging from industrial workers and biologists to dentists and engineers and even those people who have a fascination towards this subject. Moreover, this book can also be used as a guide for diverse readers who are interested in the subject.