Pulse Source of Electrons Based on the Pyroeffect

The conditions of electron flow generation during heating and cooling of a cylindrical lithium niobate crystal with a diameter of 13 mm and a height of 7 mm with a Z-oriented axis of polarization were studied. Studies were conducted at a pressure of 105–1 Pa. It was found that the discharge begins to form in the sub nanosecond range. At a pressure of more than 1 Pa, a gas breakdown on the crystal surface contributes to the discharge current. The preparation of the crystal and the coordination of the indication system made it possible to develop a pyroelectric source of electrons, designed for a discharge voltage of ∼100 kV with a discharge current of ∼400 mA for the microsecond and nanosecond ranges.