When most of us think of X-rays, we imagine getting a scan in a hospital to view a broken bone. Although X-rays and the medical sector are deeply intertwined, there are many other exciting applications that you may have never even heard of! X-rays are a fascinating phenomenon that assists numerous industries in various ways. To further shine a light on this, we have listed five incredible ways that X-rays are used in modern tech. Let’s get into it!
1. Medical Screening
Let’s start with the most obvious. Perhaps what X-rays are most commonly associated with, medical screening makes up a considerable part of their purpose. Companies such as Maven Imaging use X-rays for various purposes, including chiropractic and radiology. X-rays can be used to detect broken bones, fractures, and can even help to identify tumors!
2. Security Measures
Undoubtedly you’ll have seen this in the airport before, but X-rays are used in multiple settingsto improve security and safety. They are most often used to search bags to check for any unusual material but are sometimes also used on people themselves to check pockets and inside clothing. This makes searching for harmful substances or weapons a much quicker and smoother process, working to keep everyone safe.
3. Checking Authenticity in Art
Incredibly, X-rays can also be used to authenticate classic pieces of art. Historians use them to check the originality of pieces, which can, in turn, help to identify how old the piece actually is. They achieve this by scanning a picture to see if an image has been painted on top of another. This is an essential step in minimizing piracy in the world of historical art pieces. It happens more often than you’d think!
4. Exploring the Stars
It isn’t just on Earth where X-rays can prove helpful; they’re also helping us to navigate the cosmos. The use of X-rays in telescopes allows us to get clearer and more enhanced views of celestial objects, including stars and black holes. In fact, scientists have identified that supermassive black holes actually emit X-rays as they absorb stars and gas clouds.
5. Criminal Investigation
Similar to how X-rays are used to improve security measures, they are also used in criminal investigations. They can be used to detect explosives, drugs, or any illicit substances that could be found in evidence. They can also be used to detect gold, silver, or other precious metals on the bodies of smugglers and their baggage. Furthermore, X-rays can help in cases of fraudulent sales of jewelry, as they can be used to identify whether diamonds are real or fake.
X-Rays Are Used for so Much More Than We Realize
It isn’t just a broken bone that an X-ray can detect. From supermassive black holes to illicit substances, there is an enormous variety that X-rays can help with, and we’re sure that variety is only going to grow as time goes on! As our understanding of X-rays grows, so will its capabilities. We can’t wait to see what’s next.