The radiation-induced galvanic effect at a metal–dielectric interface

Abstract

The effect observed upon interaction between the electromagnetic radiation with quantum energy of 25–1000 eV and a dielectric with metal coating is investigated. The radiation source was a megampere Z-pinch. Measurements performed on optical glass samples showed that radiation with a power of ~10⁶ W/cm² in the electric circuit switching on the metalized dielectric induces the current. It is shown that the observed galvanic effect originates from the generation of hot electrons in the dielectric.