X-Ray Peak Energy: What Determines It?

[terryphi]

Excuse the obvious question. I feel like I should have picked this up somewhere along the way, but the more I think about it the more unsure I am.

My question is: In a gamma spectrum, what determines the energy of an X-Ray peak. What causes it?

 

[NUCENG]

Excuse the obvious question. I feel like I should have picked this up somewhere along the way, but the more I think about it the more unsure I am.

My question is: In a gamma spectrum, what determines the energy of an X-Ray peak. What causes it?

Atomic structure and transition states for spoecific elements an isotopes of those elements are limited to discrete energies. Specific transitions release radiation at specific energies. These transitions create a peak or series of peaks at specific point along the energy spectrum. By measuring the energy across the specturm these peaks are revealed and identify the source isotopes and types of transitions.