what are gamma rays used for

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Gamma rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can be used for various purposes. Here are some of the uses of gamma rays:

Astronomy: Gamma-ray astronomy presents unique opportunities to explore the universe at high energies, search for new physics, test theories, and perform experiments that are not possible in Earth-bound laboratories. Gamma rays are produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars, supernova explosions, and areas around black holes.
Medical imaging: Gamma rays are used in medical imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans. In a PET scan, a short-lived positron-emitting radioactive pharmaceutical is injected into the body, and the gamma rays emitted by the decay of the radioactive material are detected to create an image of the body.
Cancer treatment: Gamma rays are used in radiation therapy to treat cancerous tumors. As a deeply penetrating ionizing radiation, gamma rays cause significant biochemical changes in living cells, and radiation therapies make use of this property to selectively destroy cancerous cells in small localized tumors.
Nuclear security: Gamma rays are used in radiation monitoring devices to detect the difference between radioactive materials that pose a security risk and those that do not. Gamma ray signatures can be used to identify trace radioactive elements through their gamma-ray emissions.
Environmental gamma dosimetry: Gamma rays are used in environmental gamma dosimetry to determine the gamma activities induced by neutrons.
Determining elements on other planets: Gamma rays can be used to determine the elements on other planets. For example, the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) can measure gamma rays emitted by the nuclei of atoms on planet Mercurys surface that are struck by cosmic rays.