title: A brief history of x-rays.
abstract: The identity of x-rays was initially mysterious, their connotations including morbidity and the otherworldly. Gradually they became routine, finding a place in the high-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radiologists established a niche in hospitals, contributing to the industrialization of healthcare. Control of x-ray tube output was improved while an infrastructure enforcing radiation protection accompanied the continued growth of the field. X-ray diffraction proved a powerful tool with which to examine substances at the atomic scale. Since 1950, x-ray researchers have taken advantage of synchrotrons' copious production of continuous x-ray spectra, and the marriage of x-rays with electronics has led to a cornucopia of cheap and highly efficient analytical tools.
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hessenbruch
mesh_terms: D005858:Germany; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000266:history*; D011871:Radiology / Q000266:history*; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States; D014964:X-Ray Therapy / Q000266:history*; D014965:X-Rays