X-ray radiation is characterized chiefly by
extremely short wavelength — about one ten-thousandth the length of visible
light waves. Like light waves, X-ray can be reflected, refracted, diffracted
and polarized. The techniques by which they are manipulated differ from those
employed with light, just as light techniques differ from those of radio. The
longest X-rays are indistinguishable from ultraviolet rays; the shortest are
identical with gamma rays. The distinction between the two is largely a matter
of definition. When the emission accompanies the disintegration of a
radioactive substance such as radium, it is called gamma radiation. Identical
waves generated by electronic means are called X-rays.
All radiant energy,
including X-rays, has its origin in a disturbance of electrical charge.
Consider a point charge — an electron — surrounded by a symmetrical
electromagnetic field and moving through space at constant velocity. What
happens to the motion of the field if the central charge is speeding up or
slowed down? Experiments indicate that the field reacts much like a mass of
jelly. When the central charge is accelerated, the disturbance is communicated radically
through the field as a wave motion — the outside parts of the field requiring
an appreciable time interval to catch up with the center. Tungsten alloy material
is widely used for such radiation protection as its high density, for more
details, you could visit: http://www.tungsten-alloy.com/X-ray-target-collimator.htm.
