What is the difference between X-ray and Gamma radiation?

X-rays and Gamma rays are identical. A Gamma photon looks exactly like an X-ray photon.

• Gamma rays are generated by the natural disintegration of a radioisotope.

• X-rays are generated by an X-ray tube containing a cathode that emits electrons, which are accelerated toward the anode by a high voltage electric charge.     

Where do the Gamma sources come from?

The Gamma sources that we use in our inspection equipment are Americium-241.  Americium-241 is a by-product of regular nuclear power reactors.  Americium-241 results from the successive capture of neutrons by plutonium.

Are there applications where one type of source is preferable?

For some high-powered applications machines using X-ray generators may be preferable because of the requirement for a higher level of radiation.  In most other cases, the technologies are interchangeable.