X-Ray Generator Using Hemimorphic Crystal

摘要

An X-ray generator uses a high electrical field generated when a hemimorphic crystal is heated or cooled. The crystal may be lithium niobate polarized in one direction. An X-ray target is placed inside a housing inside which a vacuum is maintained. A tungsten line containing thorium is placed between the crystal and the target. When the crystal is heated or cooled by a Pelletier element, an intense electrical field is generated around the crystal. Thermoelectrons released from the tungsten line accelerate as a result of the electrical field and collide with the X-ray target. The X-rays released at this time radiate through a beryllium window exteriorly of the housing. Intense X-rays are generated without using large scale equipment, such as a high voltage power source.