X-ray fluoresced high-Z (up to Z=82) K x rays produced by LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 pyroelectric crystal electron accelerators

Abstract

High-energy bremsstrahlung and K X-rays were used to produce nearly background-free K X-ray spectra of up to 87 keV (Pb) via X-ray fluorescence. The fluorescing radiation was produced by electron accelerators, consisting of heated and cooled cylindrical LiTaO 3 and LiNbO 3 crystals at mTorr pressures. The newly discovered process of gas amplification whereby the ambient gas pressure is optimized to maximize the electron energy was used to produce energetic electrons which when incident on a W/Bi target gave rise to a radiation field consisting of high-energy bremsstrahlung as well as W and Bi K X-rays. These photons were used to fluoresce Ta and Pb K X-rays.Although pyroelectric crystals have been known and studied extensively since ancient Greek times 1 , interesting properties and innovative applications are still being discovered.

Pyroelectric effect enhancement through product property under open circuit condition

“…Our analysis techniques provide a methodology for assessing the potentials of particular PY material and its 2-2 laminates for applications under OC condition. For instance, appraising employment credentials of LTO or LNO in applications such as PY X-ray generation, [4][5][6] electron accelerator, 7 and nuclear fusion. 8…”

“…͑2͒, describes the pyroelectricity of any PY material experiencing strain under SC condition. However, in practice, some applications such as PY X-ray generation, [4][5][6] electron accelerator, 7 and nuclear fusion 8 are conducted under conditions most closely approximated by open circuit ͑OC͒. We believe there is a difference between the PY coefficient under OC and SC conditions, and it is paramount that this disparity between the two be formulized to provide better insights into these applications of pyroelectricity.…”

Pyroelectric effect enhancement in laminate composites under short circuit condition

“…The PY materials investigated are PZT, such as PZT-5H and PZT-5A, barium titanate ͑BTO͒, PVDF, and lithium tantalate ͑LTO͒ and lithium niobate ͑LNO͒ for their deployment in applications such as PY x-ray generation 27,28 and electron accelerators. 29 The analysis on LTO and LNO will mainly be dealt in our other publication 30 since their application utilizes PY coef. under open circuit condition.…”

A Novel Compact Pyroelectric X-Ray and Neutron Source

“…Brownridge's first publication 5 showed that emission from a CsNO 3 crystal could cause characteristic L-shell x-ray emission from gold (9.71 and 11.44 keV) if the crystal was slowly heated from 77°K to 150°K. He later improved his technique by using LiNbO 3 and LiTaO 3 crystals, with which he was able to fluoresce the k-shell of lead 44 (74.96 and 84.92 keV).…”