Delta ray
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A delta ray is sometimes used to describe any recoil particle that causes secondary ionization. The term was coined by J.J. Thomson. It is entirely unrelated to the family of subatomic particles named Δ ("delta").
Characteristics
A delta ray is characterized by very fast electrons produced in quantity by alpha particles or other fast energetic charged particles knocking orbiting electrons out of atoms. Collectively, these electrons are defined as delta radiation when they have sufficient energy to ionize further atoms through subsequent interactions on their own. Delta rays appear as branches in the main track of a cloud chamber. These branches will appear nearer the start of the track of a heavy charged particle, where more energy is imparted to the ionized electrons.
References in Popular Culture
In science fiction, a "delta ray" is often used to describe an undefined, fictional type of ray or radiation, sometimes as a hazard, sometimes used in energy weapons.See also
- Delta (particle) (which is not in any way related to delta radiation)
- list of particles
- particle physics
- radioactivity
- radiation
- rays:
- * α (alpha) rays
- * β (beta) rays
- * γ (gamma) rays
- * δ (delta) rays
- * ε (epsilon) rays
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