Application of pyroelectric crystal-A safety x-ray source

How to emit X-rays easily using a cigarette lighter (electric discharge) is explained, and a history of studies of X-ray production methods using electrification or charge up is also included. Comments are given for the related patents. The related following topics are explained: X-ray emission from pyroelectric crystal, a series use of pyroelectric crystals, and peel-off of adhesive tape. Relations to PIXE(particle-induced X-ray emission) experiment and nuclear fusion using pyroelectric crystal are also given. Explanations of palm-top size EPMA(electron probe X-ray microanalyzer) and XRF(X-ray fluorescence) spectrometers that can be made in laboratory quite easily are added. Application of pyroelectric XRF to the following materials are given: leather, cinnabar seal ink, polyvinyl chloride, cup, steel, paint. The detection limit of pyroelectric XRF is down to 180 ppm and, if pretreated, 0.1 ppm. The general trend of X-ray instruments is miniaturization and XRF using even a few wattage X-ray tube is superior to SPring-8 synchrotron XRF in some experimental conditions. Special attention is noted to the danger of an electric circuit, where a high voltage is applied, because of the exposure to X-rays, produced by the electrification under specific conditions of electrification and a vacuum level. (author)