How Are Gamma Rays Absorbed in Materials Used Practically?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the practical applications of gamma ray absorption in materials, primarily for shielding purposes due to the high penetration and damaging effects of gamma rays on living tissue. Key absorption mechanisms include the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production, with specific energy thresholds outlined. A recent gamma-ray burst detected by the ESO's Very Large Telescope highlights the ongoing relevance of gamma ray studies in astrophysics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gamma ray physics and its interaction with matter.
  • Knowledge of the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.
  • Familiarity with pair production and its energy threshold (1.02 MeV).
  • Basic principles of radiation shielding materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and effectiveness of various shielding materials against gamma radiation.
  • Study the photoelectric effect in detail, particularly in relation to gamma rays.
  • Explore Compton scattering and its implications for radiation detection technologies.
  • Investigate the latest findings on gamma-ray bursts and their significance in astrophysics.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, radiation safety professionals, materials scientists, and anyone involved in radiation shielding and detection technologies.

korkox
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I need to know the practical applications of the absorption of gamma rays in materials.
 
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Most of the time, it's shielding. In other words, gamma rays (an neutrons) are highly penetrating and are very damaging to living tissue, so the typical use of materials for attenuating gamma radiation is shielding.
 
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There are three distinct regions of gamma ray absorption; a)Photoelectric effect (usually roughly below the binding energy of the 1s shell electrons in nuclei), c) above the pair production threshold (above 1.02 MeV) with some Z dependence, and b) (between a )and c)) Compton scattering.
 
this smells homework... "I need"

I can give you a practical use: X-ray images
 

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