Some of their work involved X-rays produced by particle accelerators, devices that bring atomic particles into high energies.

VOA: special.2009.12.08

CheMin will use X-rays to examine the atomic structure of the rock.

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Since every isotope that spews gamma or X rays or charged particles does so in a unique way--an atomic fingerprint, of sorts--the color and intensity of the flash tells the detector which isotope is present and in what quantity.

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