Stability of electrons and X-rays generated in a pyroelectric accelerator

Abstract

Conventional X-ray sources are far too bulky and require a high-power DC voltage. The pyroelectric X-ray generator technology has enabled us to develop portable, low-power X-ray sources for use in materials analysis, imaging, and other applications. Changing the temperature of single crystal lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) at moderate vacuum conditions gives an attractive possibility to generate and accelerate electron up to 100 keV. The electrons are ejected either from the crystal or from the target (depending on polarity). The electrons then generate X-rays via bremsstrahlung and characteristic X-ray emission processes. The aim of this experimental investigation is to explore the interesting feature of the pyroelectric accelerator that generates a monoenergetic electron flux with a stable value of peak energy for a long time. Here we present studies of features of electron flux in pyroelectric accelerator depending on the pressure of residual gas and the distance between the crystal and the target-collimator. We examine the correlation between monoenergetic electron production and avalanche discharge. We also studied outgassing from some accelerator components. The pyroelectric X-ray generator technology is currently being developed is a reliable, compact, stable, and reproducible X-ray source with controllable parameters, which does not require a high-power DC voltage or the use of hazardous (radioactive) materials.