X-ray spectra

X-ray spectra are the distinct patterns of energy that X-rays emit when produced by an X-ray source. They consist of a continuous range of energies called bremsstrahlung, created when high-energy electrons are slowed down upon hitting a metal target, and characteristic peaks that occur at specific energies unique to the target material, resulting from electrons moving between specific atomic energy levels. These spectra help identify materials and analyze their properties because each element has a unique spectral fingerprint. In medical or scientific applications, understanding X-ray spectra ensures accurate imaging and analysis by optimizing X-ray energy levels and intensity.