The first X-ray and what it means for the world

In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting. The German physicist was still trying to find new ways of seeing the inside of things. At first, he thought he had found a new way to detect fluorescent chemicals in a person's skin. Then, he realized that there was something else. In one of his experiments, Roentgen illuminated his test subject and recorded the light that came to him. He noticed that there were some very strange readings coming from the test subject's hand. In another room there were instruments that created an artificial fog by heating nitric acid vapors. When they turned off the heaters, the vapors cooled and condensed back into liquid, but only when they left windows or doors open for fresh air to enter. On the other hand, when they closed the doors and windows, the vapors condensed and remained invisible until they were opened again. Roentgen had just discovered what we now call “fluid condensation”, that is, when vapor is converted directly into liquid without first passing through an intermediate gas phase. Through other experiments with fluorescence and glass tubes filled with various chemicals and liquids, he also discovered that this strange phenomenon was caused by the invisible rays that these substances emitted when heated or cooled, which could also pass through solid objects such as hands or glass appliances without being blocked at all! This led him to place different substances under X-ray lights (the name given to these dark-colored rays).

X-rays are born

The discovery of X-rays completely changed our knowledge of the world. We now know that X-rays are electromagnetic radiation, just like light, but with shorter wavelengths and higher energy. They cross our body and reveal our skeleton, and they also penetrate some materials such as plastics. X-rays are used for medical imaging, industrial inspection, and safety checks. They can even be used for forensic investigations, since they do not leave traces on human skin. X-rays were discovered at the end of the 19th century. The word “X-ray” first appeared in press in 1896; “Röntgen ray” was coined a few weeks earlier. Both terms were inspired by the Greek word “röntgenis”, which means “radiation”, because X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation.

What do X-rays reveal?

X-rays show the different densities (amount of matter) inside our body. The bones are very dense, so they appear white in an X-ray image, while air is very light, so it appears black. This is useful in the field of medical imaging, as it helps doctors detect broken bones, infections, foreign objects, and tumors. X-rays are also useful in industrial inspection, as they reveal cracks in metal structures or inside machines, and can be used for security checks, since they can show weapons hidden in the human body. This is why the use of X-ray scanners for airport security is so common.

X-ray safety

X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, so they are harmful to human health, regardless of the amount to which we are exposed. However, they can be used safely as long as they are used in the right quantities, with appropriate equipment and by trained personnel. Safe doses are usually determined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and are updated with new research findings. However, these doses depend on the type of X-ray, the equipment used and the type of image. When choosing X-ray equipment and setting the dose, the operator must take into account the type of image, the size of the patient, the time taken for the X-ray and the patient's age.

ANDThe Future of X-ray Technology

New research is studying magnetic X-rays, which could be disconnected at will, unlike X-rays as we know them. Other scientists are working on visible X-rays, which would make it possible to obtain images in real time. They are also studying the possibility of generating X-rays using sound. X-ray technology also has great potential for safety. For example, an X-ray scanner that can see through walls could change the rules of the game in hostage situations or other critical situations where time is of the essence. X-ray communication is also being investigated, which could allow us to send digital information remotely using X-rays.

X-rays have become an essential part of modern life. Although we are aware of their dangers, many people still want to know everything they can about these fascinating rays. Through this article, you can discover how Wilhelm Röntgen discovered X-rays, what they reveal, how they affect our health and what the future of X-ray technology looks like.