Space‒time inhomogeneity of the electron flow in pyroelectric X-ray sources

Аннотация

The operating conditions of X-Ray sources based on LiNbO₃ crystals are investigated during heating-cooling cycles. It is demonstrated that the radiation intensity is unstable. The radiation is accompanied by electrical breakdowns in the Z plane of the crystals and emission of photon packets not described by the Poisson distribution. Visualization of the electron beam through the grid electrode by a luminescent screen showed that the electron beam is not uniform in the Z-plane of the crystal and greatly changes with temperature. It is found that, under definite conditions, the numerous redistributions of the intense emission zones occurred between different areas at Z-surface of the crystal. Possible reasons for the observed effects are examined. The obtained data are important for creating pyroelectric X-ray and neutron sources presuming the usage of strong electric fields whose strength reaches 10⁵ V/cm.