Regulation of particle generation processes in a pyroelectric accelerator using geometry

Abstract

The generation of electrons and X-rays using a pyroelectric accelerator is highly appealing from a practical point of view due to the potential for compact and energy-efficient devices. This study focuses on investigating the influence of accelerator geometry, particularly the position and area of the target. We have determined that a smaller target area enhances X-ray intensity and monoenergetic electron flux, while the balance between positive and negative polarity exhibits weak dependence on geometry. Altering the position of the target-collimator enables regulation of the energy of the collimated electron flow. The focal spot of the electron flow in a pyroelectric accelerator exhibits a complex longitudinal structure, as demonstrated by both experimentation and computer modelling. Furthermore, increasing the distance between the crystal and the target enhances the stability of the pyroelectric accelerator. Consequently, the combined effect of target area and its position relative to the crystal significantly influences the observed particle flux, and we propose approaches for their regulation in practical devices.