Pyroelectric and photo-galvanic effects for generation of the focused electron beam, X-rays, photo-actuation and electric micro-propulsion

Generation of the focused electron beams and X-Rays by pyroelectric crystals of LiNbO₃ (LN) was first reported by J. Brownridge et al. Similar effects were predicted and observed using photo-galvanic response of Fe-doped photosensitive ferroelectric LN crystals. In this paper we report about electron and X-ray spectra, observed in LN crystals due to generation of high-voltage pulsed electric discharges during heating-cooling cycles. Characteristic X-ray lines from different targets and from LN crystals were observed with maximal energy of 120 keV. We also observed new effect of transformation of energy of heat and light into actuation of the mechanical movement of micro-particles placed into contact with the crystal surface. We discuss application of this thermo- and opto-mechanical effects for applications in micro-propulsion and suggest model, that explain these effects.