Why don't we have gamma ray microscopes?

[curiousmind04]

Homework Statement

Why? We can use shorter wavelengths than that of electrons to view electrons and more? What is stopping us? Can the image not be imprinted on a plate of some sort instead of being viewed by the eye directly?

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm guessing no one invented a method to use these high energy photons yet

 

[gneill]

Is this an actual homework question or does it arise strictly out of curiosity?

 

[curiousmind04]

The question was saying that electron microscopes are better than light microscopes because of shorter wavelength used. optical microscopes use light in the visible range. But, why can't we use gamma rays and not view it directly with the eye. So I would say my homework influenced my curiosity

 

[gneill]

The question was saying that electron microscopes are better than light microscopes because of shorter wavelength used. optical microscopes use light in the visible range. But, why can't we use gamma rays and not view it directly with the eye. So I would say my homework influenced my curiosity

Okay. I'd suggest that you do a little research (web search) on a related topic, namely that of gamma ray astronomy, and in particular, gamma ray telescopes. Pay attention to the detector technology employed and the resolution achievable. Also search on "gamma ray focusing".

 

[curiousmind04]

Okay. I'd suggest that you do a little research (web search) on a related topic, namely that of gamma ray astronomy, and in particular, gamma ray telescopes. Pay attention to the detector technology employed and the resolution achievable. Also search on "gamma ray focusing".

Ok thanks, you don't know? I'm lazy

 

[gneill]

Ok thanks, you don't know? I'm lazy

I do know, having done the reading in the past, but I'm also lazy. Now it's your turn

 

[curiousmind04]

Can you sum it up in one short sentence please? It doesn't have to explain everything, just the general reason why its not achievable...yet

 

[curiousmind04]

I do know, having done the reading in the past, but I'm also lazy. Now it's your turn

:)

 

[gneill]

Can you sum it up in one short sentence please? It doesn't have to explain everything, just the general reason why its not achievable...yet

That would be doing your research for you. I will say that the reasons why gamma ray astronomy is so difficult will be essentially the same as for microscopy. Your time won't be wasted spending five minutes with a search engine; the reasons are made apparent quickly.

 

[curiousmind04]

That would be doing your research for you. I will say that the reasons why gamma ray astronomy is so difficult will be essentially the same as for microscopy. Your time won't be wasted spending five minutes with a search engine; the reasons are made apparent quickly.

Ok thanks again, I will get around to it. From your experience, do you think it is possible though?

 

[curiousmind04]

That would be doing your research for you. I will say that the reasons why gamma ray astronomy is so difficult will be essentially the same as for microscopy. Your time won't be wasted spending five minutes with a search engine; the reasons are made apparent quickly.

Someone on reddit told me it is impossible to focus gamma rays

 

[gneill]

Ok thanks again, I will get around to it. From your experience, do you think it is possible though?

I think it is possible but it will be some time before the resolution is anywhere near to what can be achieved by other techniques. I also think that what can be observed by the method will be very limited indeed. Gamma rays are not easily stopped, shadowed, focused, or particularly "friendly" to what they pass through (I don't think gamma ray reflection microscopy is in the cards for anything but certain metals or perhaps crystals).

Someone on reddit told me it is impossible to focus gamma rays

Everything on the internet is suspect (maybe especially me ) Look for yourself at where I've directed you. You will find working gamma ray telescopes and focusing technologies discussed.

 

[curiousmind04]

I think it is possible but it will be some time before the resolution is anywhere near to what can be achieved by other techniques. I also think that what can be observed by the method will be very limited indeed. Gamma rays are not easily stopped, shadowed, focused, or particularly "friendly" to what they pass through (I don't think gamma ray reflection microscopy is in the cards for anything but certain metals or perhaps crystals).Everything on the internet is suspect (maybe especially me ) Look for yourself at where I've directed you. You will find working gamma ray telescopes and focusing technologies discussed.

Awesome, apparently we do not have mirrors sufficient enough for gamma ray microscopy (explanation from random redditor)

 

[DrClaude]

Can you sum it up in one short sentence please? It doesn't have to explain everything, just the general reason why its not achievable...yet

Sorry, but this is not how we do things here. We will gladly help you learn, but we will not do your work for you. Please have a look at the forum rules, especially those related to homework.

Also, you have another thread basically discussing the same thing. I will close this one.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/electron-vs-photon-question-significance-of-momentum.890315/