Detection

Lt.BirdGod · **Tue Jun 17, 2003 10:42 pm Detection**

What detects different rays? I can't remember at the moment. Like, gamma rays, beta, alpha and x-rays.

You see, I had this though (This is off trek), I had a though for my paintball gun, that if you had a gamma ray shooting out as a scope, it would be untrackable, except to your detector. Of course, you know, it could have some problems on humans, but thats beside the point.

Los · **Tue Jun 17, 2003 11:36 pm Re: Detection**

Lt.BirdGod · **Sat Jun 21, 2003 8:20 pm**

Indeed, but, I mean, visual interface, so that I could see the beam?

webtaz99 · **Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:14 am Detection**

X-rays and other high energy photons are detected using a technique called "scintillation". The high energy photon interacts with a material (different materials for different energies) and produces lower energy photons which can be detected with with film, etc. Instead of detecting the original photon you detect its effects. You can't see the wind, but you can feel it.

Beleive it or not, X-rays and gamma rays can actually be imaged using a charge-coupled device mated to a scintillator. A CCD is the sensor "chip" in digital cameras and cam-corders.

Most modern X-ray clinics and hospitals use digital X-ray "cameras" instead of the old film technology. Astronomers use both X-ray and gamma ray versions.

Trouble is, gamma rays are radiation, just like X-rays. They take extreme (as in DEADLY) voltages and expensive equipment to produce and control. They tend to pass right through most materials, leaving energetic electrons behind - very harmful to living cells.

Also - anything you can detect, someone else can too.