Construction of an electron accelerator of 20 KeV: application in the polymeric study

A low energy electron accelerator (maximum energy 20 KeV) is constructed. A black and white kinescope electron gun, with a single thermionic emitter was used as electron source. The energy of electron beam can be changed continuously from 0 to 20 KeV. The intensity of the current can be changed from a minimum of 10-12A to a maximum of 3 μA, and can be mantained contant in time after its value has been fixed. The irradiated area can be changed from a diameter of 1 milimeter to a maximum of 6 centimeter, by focalizing or defocalizing the image of electron beam. The final pressure reached in vacuum chambers was 10-7Torr. During operation the surface of cathode of electron gun is damaged by ion bombardeament. The degree of damage can be checked if the cathode image is focalized and examined on a luminescent screen. The accelerator was used to study electron irradiation effects in Teflon, employing the method of the split Faraday cup. Transient charging and discharging currents were measured. The average range of electrons of the electrons and the induced conductivity were determined. (Author)