Spectral Characteristics of Radiation and Matter

Abstract

The wave nature of radiation is responsible for many interesting and unique phenomena involving the interaction of radiation and matter. Prisms, gratings, and other devices disperse radiation into many types of spectrums, classified according to the techniques used for their detection or generation. The wavelength regions have historical names related to scientific discovery and development of the particular spectral interval. There are, for example, gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared, microwave, and radio wave radiation. Smaller wavelength intervals within these broad spectral regions have also been given names.