Calibration source for X-ray detectors

摘要

A method and device for calibrating the energy response of detectors of photons in the range from about 0.5 keV to at least 100 keV. The device makes use of the inherent property of a polarizable crystal such as a pyroelectric crystal to produce monoenergetic x-rays when the crystal is heated or cooled in a partial vacuum. Specific calibration energies of x-ray emission, may be selected for the application of the user by selection of a coating to the pyroelectric crystal and an external foil. The calibration device may be disposed within the same housing as a penetrating radiation detector.