Gamma-ray spectroscopy

Gamma-ray spectroscopy is a technique used to identify and analyze radioactive materials by detecting the high-energy photons, called gamma rays, they emit. When an atomic nucleus changes from an excited state to a lower energy state, it releases gamma rays with specific energies unique to each element. By measuring these energies with sensitive detectors, scientists can determine the type and amount of radioactive material present. This method is crucial in fields like nuclear physics, environmental monitoring, and medical imaging for non-invasive analysis of materials and understanding nuclear processes.