1886 Becquerel – Discovery of Radiation

From accidental discovery to scientific tool, Becquerel's work expanded photography's scope within the unseen spectrum.

Henri Becquerel's accidental discovery of natural radioactivity through photography marks a milestone in the intersecting histories of photography and science. Before Becquerel, photography was primarily seen as a tool for documenting the visible world. His innovative use of photographic plates, unintentionally exposed to uranium salts, demonstrated the medium's potential to extend beyond visible light, capturing phenomena invisible to the naked eye. This breakthrough not only broadened the scope of photography but also transformed it into a vital instrument for scientific discovery.

The unique visual revelations of radioactive decay patterns on the plates unveiled a new form of energy—radioactivity. This profound discovery challenged existing perceptions of the capabilities of photographic materials, specifically silver halide-coated plates, which were sensitive not only to light but also to ionizing radiation.

The influence of Becquerel's work extended to future technological advancements, leading to the development of new photographic methods capable of capturing various electromagnetic spectra, such as infrared photography and X-ray imaging. In the realm of science, it catalyzed innovations in radiation detection technologies, significantly impacting fields such as particle physics and medical imaging.

Credit: Henri Becquerel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Author: Henri Becquerel, 1886
Title: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Archive: Unknown
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Original file: 492 x 397 pixels, file size: 28 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg
Available information: Photographic plate made by Henri Becquerel showing effects of exposure to radioactivity.