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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!faqserv
From: Robert F. Heeter <rfheeter@princeton.edu>
Newsgroups: sci.physics.fusion,sci.answers,news.answers
Subject: Conventional Fusion FAQ Glossary Part 24/26 (X)
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Summary: Fusion energy represents a promising alternative to 
         fossil fuels and nuclear fission for world energy 
         production. This Glossary is a compendium of Frequently Used
         Terms in Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy Research.  Refer
         to the FAQ on Conventional Fusion for more detailed info
         about topics in fusion research.  This Glossary does NOT 
         discuss unconventional forms of fusion (like Cold Fusion).
X-Last-Updated: 1995/02/26
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===============================================================
Glossary Part 24:  Terms beginning with "X"

FREQUENTLY USED TERMS IN CONVENTIONAL FUSION RESEARCH 
AND PLASMA PHYSICS

Edited by Robert F. Heeter, rfheeter@pppl.gov

Guide to Categories:
 
* = plasma/fusion/energy vocabulary
& = basic physics vocabulary 
> = device type or machine name
# = name of a constant or variable
! = scientists 
@ = acronym
% = labs & political organizations
$ = unit of measurement

The list of Acknowledgements is in Part 0 (intro).
==================================================================

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

# Xe:  Chemical symbol for the element Xenon.

* X-Point:  Place where the poloidal magnetic field vanishes in such 
a way that two flux surfaces appear to cross, e.g. where the main 
plasma joins the divertor (see entry) or between magnetic islands.
Location where magnetic reconnection takes place.  (See magnetic
reconnection; see also divertors and O-point.)

& X Ray:  A penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation emitted
either when the inner orbital electrons of an excited atom
return to their normal state (characteristic x-rays), or when a 
high speed electron collides sharply with an ion or atomic target
(bremsstrahlung).  X-rays have energies from roughly 100 eV to
roughly 100 keV.  (Below X-rays are ultraviolet rays, and above
X-rays in energy are gamma rays.)  X-rays are (basically by
definition) non-nuclear in origin.  (Nuclear electromagnetic
radiation termed gamma radiation.)  See also ultraviolet, gamma
rays, bremsstrahlung.