Gamma radiation

Description

Very high energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the range of 0.15 - 0.005 nanometers. Gamma rays, first named by Ernest Rutherford in 1903, are emitted during radioactive decay processes. They are detected using a scintillation detector or a gas proportional detector as a means to determine radioactive decay rates. Gamma radiation penetrate matter deeply and have been used to kill insects, fungi, molds, and bacteria.

Synonyms and Related Terms

gamma rays; rayonnement gamma (Fr.); photon gamma (Fr.); Gamma Strahlung (Deut.); radiazione gamma (It.); radiação gama (Port.); radiacion gamma (Esp.)

Hazards and Safety

Gamma radiation may polymerize resins and decrease mechanical strength of paper.

Authority

• G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, Biology in the Conservation of Works of Art, ICCROM, Rome, 1991

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gamma ray." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. 9 Nov. 2004 .

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998