X-ray emission accompanying cathode microdischarge

Abstract

Electrical discharge in vacuum is accompanied by X-ray radiation. Knowledge of the generation mechanism of radiation may lead to its practical use. The analysis of this phenomenon indicates that it is only at the discharge development phase until the moment of the anode plasma generation that the proper conditions for X-ray generation are satisfied. The intensity of radiation is dependent on the field current intensity on the cathode surface as well as on the value of the electron current supplying the anode. The anode current at the vacuum discharge development phase has a pulse character, and the pulse amplitude is dependent on the cathode plasma density. The radiation intensity may be increased by increasing the current amplitude, e.g. by artificial plasma generation in the trigger system.

Effect of Nitrogen Gas Pressure and Hollow Cathode Geometry on the Luminous Intensity Emitted from Glow Discharge Plasma

“…In the first case used seven anodes with different diameters , d is ranged from (1-4) cm, and all of thickness (0.5 cm)as shown in figure (3).For the second case used one anode of diameter (3.5 cm) with one hollow cathode of same diameter and different depth . For each experiment the cathode is hollowed to the required depth as shown one of them in figure (4).Anode is connected to external electric circuit through the copper rode fixed at one end of the discharge chamber by vacuum seal to prevent leakage. Discharge voltage has been supplied to the electrodes system by a dc-power supply [3B power supply U21060], it is a variable power supply of range (0-6000 V) and the maximum output current (2mA), two power supply have been connected in series to provides a (12KV) and current (2mA).this voltage is very sufficient to occurring breakdown of gas between anode and hollow cathode and generating glow discharge at different gas pressure.…”

“…Mazurek, A. Nawak and A. Tyman,( 1993 ) [4]. The spatial distribution of the emitted light depending on changes of pressure and intensity of electric current.Spatial distribution of light in discharges was recorded by means of a CCD camera connected to an IBM compatible personal computer (PC).…”

Direct observation of vacuum arc evolution with nanosecond resolution

“…The latter initiates violent physical processes that within a few ns form a plasma that is able to conduct very high current densities at very small voltage 22,23 , thus rendering the gap conductive. The high current flowing from the anode to the cathode is accompanied by intermittent light emission from the gap 24,25 .…”

Anodic Glow and Conductive Channel Formation in Single and Double Long Vacuum Gaps

“…Moreover, from the perspective of experimental studies, a vacuum breakdown is triggered by a strong local electric field, reaching about 10 10 V/m [4], which could cause deformation on the surface [10], an intensive field emission [11], and heating of the tip due to Joule [12] and Nottingham effects [13]. Consequently, a local dense plasma forms at the cathode, radiating light [14][15][16] and leaving craters on the surface [17].…”