Can Gamma Radiation Be Focused Using Reflective Materials?

[Neitrino]

Dear PF,

Is is possible to focus somehow gamma radiation? Suppose d'like to intensify gamma rays and I want to focus it... is it possible to do it... ?

Are there any materials that may "reflect" gamma rays.. to use as a "reflector" thus intensifying ...

thank you

 

[Bob S]

1) FELs (free electron lasers) can create focused soft x-ray beams.

2) If you detect one annihilation gamma from positron annihilation, you can "create" (tag) a beam of annihilation gammas 180 degrees away in the opposite direction.

3) Crystal (Bragg) diffraction (actually reflection) off of crystal planes (like quartz 310) from bent crystals can focus specific gamma or x-ray energies in one plane.

4) Bremsstrahlung radiation is peaked in the direction of the incident electron. [at low energies, the radiation pattern is a doughnut ring]

5) Compton scattering of a laser beam off of a high energy electron beam creates a very narrow beam of high energy gammas.

Bob S

 

[Neitrino]

Thank you Bob S for your reply...

If the source is radioactive isotope then I guess only Crystal Bragg diffraction might be applicable . . . correct ?

 

[M Quack]

X-rays or soft gamma rays can be focussed by reflection (Bragg or total reflection at a highly polished surface), Fresnel zone plates, or refractive lenses (the index of refraction is slightly less than 1)

Rosat was an x-ray satelite that used total reflection

 

[alphy]

for your question!

Yes, it is possible to focus gamma radiation using certain techniques and materials. One method is to use a collimator, which is a device that narrows the beam of radiation into a more focused direction. Another method is to use a lens made of a material with a high atomic number, such as lead or tungsten, which can reflect and concentrate gamma rays. However, it is important to note that focusing gamma radiation can be challenging due to its high energy and penetrating ability. It is also important to consider safety precautions when working with gamma radiation, as it can be harmful to living organisms. I highly recommend consulting with a trained professional before attempting to focus gamma radiation.