Beams from brightest gamma ray: Physicists Create Ultra-Intense Beams with New Laser System
The Discovery: The Brightest Gamma Ray Ever Recorded
In October 2022, astronomers detected the brightest gamma-ray signal ever recorded, known as GRB 221009A, or BOAT (brightest of all time). This explosion was directly pointed at Earth, making it the most energetic flare ever observed by gamma-ray observatories. Scientists discovered that the structure of the jets emitted from the explosion was peculiar and varied from past observations. The energy of GRB 221009A was almost fatal to most models, creating an energy crisis as it was one hundred times more powerful than what could be explained with standard theories.
Gamma Ray Bursts Explained
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are blasts of gamma rays, the highest energy form of light, which typically lasts from a fraction of a second to several minutes. These bursts were discovered in the 1960s by orbiting detectors looking for nuclear weapons tested on or above Earth. There have since been over 1,700 observed, but each GRB is different, making it complicated to understand as a group. There is a basic understanding of their nature. Short-duration bursts come from two super-dense neutron stars colliding, while long-duration ones come from massive stars exploding at the ends of their lives. The core of the star collapses, forming a black hole, and a swirling disk forms around it, funneling twin beams of intense energy out into space.
Ultra-Intense Beams Created with a new Laser System
Physicists have discovered that ultra-short duration laser pulses can interact with ionized gas to give off beams that are so intense they can pass through thick substances like lead or concrete. The laser system used, which was created by the University of Strathclyde, is the most compact and ‘cost-efficient’ system available for producing ultra-short duration, high-intensity laser pulses. This process couples intense laser pulses compactly and efficiently with an external radiation field to produce an all-optical, high-contrast ionization wave region.
The Experiments
In experiments conducted at the University of Strathclyde, ultra-short duration laser pulses were utilised to interact with ionized gas. Scientists discovered that the laser pulses could produce an intense laser beam that could pass through more than 20 cm of lead and would take 1.5m of concrete to be fully absorbed. The discovery will open up new possibilities for medical imaging, radiotherapy, and PET (positron emission tomography) scanning. They can also be useful in monitoring environmental and archaeological samples, as well as enabling the development of high-speed electronics.
Benefits of the Discovery
One of the primary benefits of this discovery is the ability to produce intense beams that are capable of passing through thick objects without losing their effectiveness. This could have potential widespread use in various fields, including but not limited to:
| Field | Possible usage |
|---|---|
| Medical Imaging | The discovery could be beneficial in creating high-quality, non-invasive imaging that penetrates deeper for better visualisation of internal organs. | Radiotherapy | Intense beams could be beneficial in precisely targeting cancerous cells without harming healthy tissue. |
| High-Speed Electronics | The discovery will speed up the development of high-speed electronics required in various sectors such as telecommunications, transportation, and defence. | Archaeology and Environment | The beams could potentially allow scientists to scan and examine samples and materials obtained from contaminated sites, discover hidden insights into archaeological artefacts, and much more. |
Applications
The discovery’s applications can be further clarified as:
Medical Applications
The ultra-intense beams enabled by the new laser system can be utilised in medical imaging and radiotherapy. It will be useful in creating pictures with a more precise diagnosis of health issues, which can lead to better treatments for patients. The intense beams penetrate deeper into the internal organs, allowing non-invasive but more effective imaging.
Radioisotope Production for PET Scanning
Ultra-intense beams can be utilised in radioisotope production to create isotopes for PET scans (positron emission tomography). It will help researchers gain a better understanding of hazardous diseases and develop new treatments.
Monitoring Environmental and Archaeological Samples
Intense beams can be utilised to scan and examine environmental samples to monitor pollution, hazardous waste sites, and medicine discovery. It can also be beneficial in archaeology to examine artefacts and gain hidden insights.
Conclusion
The creation of ultra-intense beams is a breakthrough innovation in the field of physics, and the discovery holds remarkable potential for various sectors and fields. The researchers from the University of Strathclyde have unlocked the path to creating intense beams that will help develop much-improved medical imaging and radiotherapy, and research and discover more about environmental and archaeological samples. This breakthrough and similar discoveries may ultimately lead to radiology becoming more efficient, patient-friendly, and cost-effective.
FAQs
Q1. What are gamma ray bursts?
Gamma-ray bursts, or GRBs, are intense blasts of gamma rays—the highest-energy form of light—that typically last from a fraction of a second to a few minutes in length.
Q2. What is the discovery surrounding gamma ray beams?
Physicists have discovered that ultra-short duration laser pulses can interact with ionized gas to give off beams that are so intense they can pass through 20 cm of lead and would take 1.5 m of concrete to be fully absorbed.
Q3. What are the benefits of gamma ray beams?
The discovered gamma ray beams could have several uses, such as in medical imaging, radiotherapy and radioisotope production for PET (positron emission tomography) scanning. The source could also be useful in monitoring environmental and archaeological samples, as well as enabling the development of high-speed electronics.
Q4. What will the discovery do for the medical field?
The discovery of ultra-intense beams will help develop much-improved medical imaging and radiotherapy, leading to radiology becoming more efficient, patient-friendly, and cost-effective.
Q5. What is positron emission tomography (PET) scanning?
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of imaging test that helps doctors see how your body’s cells and organs are functioning.