Where do the peaks in gamma spectroscopy originate from?

[feynmanism]

Hello. Where do the peaks observed in gamma spectroscopy come from? May some specific angles for diffraction be a reason?

 

[Astronuc]

Radionuclides emit gamma rays at fairly speicific energy corresponding to particular transitions in the nucleus. The peaks, assuming one means the large peaks, are from those characteristic gamma rays.

For some radionuclides which have energies greater than 1.12 MeV, the gamma ray may interact with a nucleus (nuclear field) and a positron-electron pair may be formed. In this case, one will see smaller peaks at 0.511 and 1.022 MeV lower energy if one or both annihilation photons escape from the detection system.

Compton scattering, in which a photon looses part of its energy to an atomic electron produces the broad plateau of energy at the lower energy ranges of the gamma spectrum.

 

[charng]

Hello there. Thank you for your question. The peaks observed in gamma spectroscopy typically come from the energy levels of the nuclei in the sample being analyzed. When a gamma ray interacts with a nucleus, it can either be absorbed or scattered, resulting in a change in the energy of the gamma ray. This change in energy is what produces the peaks in the gamma spectrum.

Specific angles for diffraction may also play a role in the observed peaks in gamma spectroscopy. Diffraction occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit and bends around it. In the case of gamma rays, diffraction can occur when they pass through a crystal lattice in a specific direction and angle, resulting in peaks in the spectrum.

However, it is important to note that while diffraction may contribute to the peaks observed in gamma spectroscopy, it is not the only factor. Other factors such as the composition and structure of the sample, the energy of the gamma rays, and the detection equipment used can also influence the peaks in the spectrum.

I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any further inquiries, please don't hesitate to ask. Keep exploring and learning!