Cerenkov radiation in medical imaging

Cerenkov radiation occurs when charged particles, like electrons, move through a medium such as tissue or water faster than light travels in that material. This creates a faint blue glow, similar to a sonic boom but with light. In medical imaging, this phenomenon helps doctors visualize cancer cells or track certain treatments because it allows real-time detection of radioactive materials within the body. Essentially, the glowing light produced by Cerenkov radiation acts as a natural indicator, providing valuable information without invasive procedures, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of diagnosis and therapy.