Re: x-rays from TC capacitors?!!!

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: scott <scottxs@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Check this out:
http://www.amptek.com/coolx.html
> Theory of operation
> coolx and xr100
>
> When heated, a pyroelectric crystal exhibits spontaneous decrease 
of polarization. Hence, as the temperature increases, an electric 
field develops across the crystal. For a specific crystal orientation 
(-Z face pointing to the target), the top surface of the crystal gets 
positively charged and attracts electrons from the low pressure gas 
in the environment. As the electrons impinge on the surface of the 
crystal, they produce characteristic x-rays (Ta) as well as 
bremsstrahlung x-rays (see figure 1). When the cooling phase starts, 
the spontaneous polarization increases, and the electrons from the 
top surface of the crystal are accelerated towards the Cu target 
which is at ground potential. At this part of the cycle, Cu 
characteristic x-rays are produced as well as bremsstrahlung x-rays 
(see figure 2). When the crystal temperature reaches its low point, 
the heating phase starts again. The cycle time of the COOL-X can be 
varied from 2 to 5 minutes.

Scott