Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A gamma-ray laser, or graser, is a hypothetical device that would produce coherent gamma rays, just as an ordinary laser produces coherent rays of visible light. [1] Potential applications for gamma-ray lasers include medical imaging, spacecraft propulsion, and cancer treatment.
Radiotherapy beams are classified by the particle they are intended to deliver, such as photons (as x-rays or gamma rays), electrons, and heavy ions; x-rays and electron beams are by far the most widely used sources for external beam radiotherapy. Orthovoltage ("superficial") X-rays are used for treating skin cancer and superficial structures.
From the early days of radiation therapy, X-rays or gamma rays were used to develop large format radiographic films for inspection. With the introduction of cobalt-60 machines in the 1950s, radiation went deeper inside the body, but with lower contrast and poor subjective visibility.
Radionuclide therapy (also known as systemic radioisotope therapy, radiopharmaceutical therapy, or molecular radiotherapy), is a form of targeted therapy. Targeting can be due to the chemical properties of the isotope such as radioiodine which is specifically absorbed by the thyroid gland a thousandfold better than other bodily organs.
While many scientists remain optimistic that a breakthrough is near, an operational gamma-ray laser is yet to be realized. [84] Some of the early studies were directed toward short pulses of neutrons exciting the upper isomer state in a solid so the gamma-ray transition could benefit from the line-narrowing of Mössbauer effect.
Laser radiation being delivered via a fiber for photodynamic therapy to treat cancer. A 40-watt CO 2 laser with applications in ENT, gynecology, dermatology, oral surgery, and podiatry. Laser medicine is the use of lasers in medical diagnosis, treatments, or therapies, such as laser photodynamic therapy, [1] photorejuvenation, and laser surgery.
Cobalt therapy is the medical use of gamma rays from the radioisotope cobalt-60 to treat conditions such as cancer.Beginning in the 1950s, cobalt-60 was widely used in external beam radiotherapy (teletherapy) machines, which produced a beam of gamma rays which was directed into the patient's body to kill tumor tissue.
Laser types with distinct laser lines are shown above the wavelength bar, while below are shown lasers that can emit in a wavelength range. The height of the lines and bars gives an indication of the maximal power/pulse energy commercially available, while the color codifies the type of laser material (see the figure description for details).