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X-Ray Spectrum

An x-ray is a very high energy photon with a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, and is also referred to as a roentgen ray. A stream of such photons are called an x-ray or x-ray beam, and have remarkably high penetration power in radiography, radiology, radiotherapy, and scientific research.

X-rays, like other wave-based things, are defined by the range of their wavelength spectrum. When any substance is used in an x-ray tube, a set of characteristic x-ray frequencies or wavelengths are produced. All elements have a characteristic x-ray spectrum produced from this activity, and there is a very strong correlation between atomic number and the frequency of certain lines in the x-ray spectrum. Through processes like this, the x-ray spectrum can be used to identify elements in a specific sample.

Typically, the x-ray spectrum will be measured using the x-ray diffraction pattern of the elements involved. A diffractometer records the diffraction thus created, and a scientist can interpret the resulting data to match it to known elements or substances, or to determine that the substance being tested is something unfamiliar. X-ray spectrum analysis allows for simple identification of substances without destroying samples.

Web Resources On X-Ray Spectrum

X-ray Spectrum of Elements on the Periodic Table
X-Ray Spectra and Electrons

Book Resources On X-Ray Spectrum

Handbook of X-Ray Spectrometry Revised and Expanded by Rene Van Grieken
Coherent X-Ray Optics by David Paganin

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