characteristic radiation

char·ac·ter·is·tic ra·di·a·tion

monochromatic radiation that is produced when an electron is ejected from an atom and another takes its place by jumping from another shell; the energy of the emitted photon is the difference between that of the two shell positions. See: photoelectric effect.

Synonym(s): characteristic emission

characteristic radiation

radiation produced when a projectile electron interacts with and displaces an inner-shell electron of a target atom. It is a key process in x-ray production.

char·ac·ter·is·tic ra·di·a·tion

(kar'ăk-tĕr-is'tik rā'dē-ā'shŭn)

When an incoming electron from the cathode stream that has enough energy to overcome the binding energy of electrons in the inner shells of the target material knocks the electron out of its shell, the outer electrons fall into the inner shell, giving up energy in the form of x-radiation. Produced at levels above 69.5 kV. This process leaves the atom ionized.

char·ac·ter·is·tic ra·di·a·tion

(kar'ăk-tĕr-is'tik rā'dē-ā'shŭn)

When an incoming electron from the cathode stream that has enough energy to overcome the binding energy of electrons in the inner shells of the target material knocks the electron out of its shell, the outer electrons fall into the inner shell, giving up energy in the form of x-radiation.

characteristic

1. character.

2. typical of an individual or other entity. See also character.

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characteristic curve

the photographic characteristics of an emulsion on an x-ray film based on plotting the density of the image obtained against the logarithm of the exposure under specified conditions of development.

characteristic radiation

nearly homogeneous radiation produced in the target of the x-ray tube when orbital electrons are knocked out and replaced by electrons from outer shells.

characteristic x-rays

see characteristic radiation (above).