Bending the Rules (Gamma ray lenses)

In summary, researchers have discovered a way to bend gamma rays using heavy elements such as gold, despite previous theories suggesting it was impossible. The bending in their experiment is small, but can be boosted with materials containing larger nuclei. With further development, gamma-ray lenses could be used to focus specific energy beams. Previous methods for focusing high-energy x-rays and gamma rays rely on reflection or coded apertures, but this new discovery offers a potential alternative.
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http://news.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb_article_l/public/article_images/sn-gammarays.jpg?itok=vYTMw8My Researchers at Institut Laue–Langevin have found a way to bend gamma rays.

Gamma ray lenses, which theory had suggested were impossible, could be made from heavy elements such as gold.

The bending in the group's experiment isn't much—about a millionth of a degree, which corresponds to a refractive index of about 1.000000001. However, it could be boosted using lenses made of materials with larger nuclei such as gold, which should contain more virtual electron-positron pairs. With some refinement, gamma-ray lenses could be made to focus beams of a specific energy.
 
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What theory suggests that is impossible to have refraction of x-rays?
 
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nasu said:
What theory suggests that is impossible to have refraction of x-rays?

High-energy x-rays and gamma rays are effectively impossible to focus using a lens. Currently they rely on reflection of these rays off of long, concentric metal or ceramic grazing incident mirrors, or on coded apertures, which are flat grills that way less than mirrors, but require lots of post-processing to get an image.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray_telescope
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolter_telescope
 
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Drakkith said:
High-energy x-rays and gamma rays are effectively impossible to focus using a lens. Currently they rely on reflection of these rays off of long, concentric metal or ceramic grazing incident mirrors, or on coded apertures, which are flat grills that way less than mirrors, but require lots of post-processing to get an image.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray_telescope
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolter_telescope
I know this. My problem is with a theoretical impossibility. Or breaking the rules, as the OP suggest.
 
  • #5
There is no theoretical impossibility. If you extend the usual influence to gamma rays, the deflection angles are too small to be practical. The proposed pair creation mechanism seems to enhance the deflection a lot.
 

Related to Bending the Rules (Gamma ray lenses)

1. What are gamma ray lenses and how do they work?

Gamma ray lenses are specialized lenses that can manipulate and focus gamma rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation. These lenses work by using a combination of materials and geometries to bend and redirect the gamma rays, similar to how regular lenses bend visible light.

2. What are the potential applications of gamma ray lenses?

Gamma ray lenses have a wide range of potential applications, including in medical imaging, nuclear power plants, and space exploration. They can also be used in research facilities to study the properties of gamma rays and other high energy particles.

3. How are gamma ray lenses different from traditional lenses?

Gamma ray lenses are significantly different from traditional lenses, as they are designed specifically to manipulate a different type of electromagnetic radiation. Traditional lenses are not able to focus gamma rays due to their high energy and short wavelength.

4. What challenges are involved in developing and using gamma ray lenses?

One of the main challenges in developing and using gamma ray lenses is finding suitable materials that can withstand the high energy and intense radiation of gamma rays. Another challenge is creating precise and reliable lenses that can bend the gamma rays to the desired angle without causing distortions or other unwanted effects.

5. How can gamma ray lenses contribute to scientific advancements?

Gamma ray lenses have the potential to contribute to many scientific advancements, especially in the fields of medicine and energy. They can help improve medical imaging techniques, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. They can also aid in the development of more efficient and safe nuclear power plants. Additionally, gamma ray lenses can be used in space exploration to study the universe and potentially discover new sources of energy.

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