Bremsstrahlung

Bremsstrahlung, meaning "braking radiation," is a physical phenomenon describing the emission of electromagnetic radiation by a charged particle, most commonly an electron, that undergoes rapid deceleration or acceleration within a strong electric field. This interaction causes the particle to emit photons, creating a continuous spectrum of energy, typically categorized as X-rays. The resulting energy spectrum is fundamentally dependent upon the kinetic energy of the incident particle and the nature of the decelerating field. This physical process is a fundamental concept utilized in various technological applications, including imaging and scientific analysis, where controlled beams of high-energy radiation are necessary for diagnostic and research purposes.