Generation of hard X-ray radiation using the triboelectric effect by peeling adhesive tape

The triboelectric effect describes electrical charging when bringing different materials into contact. We report on the generation of hard X-ray radiation by peeling various adhesive tapes under medium vacuum conditions. Beside vacuum housing and pumps as instrumentation only an electric motor, two rolls and a metal foil as target material are necessary. The spectral distribution of generated X-rays was analyzed using an energy-dispersive detector. Depending on peeling speed, pressure and choice of material combination, electrons with energies sufficient to excite emission in the hard X-ray region are produced. The results are discussed in terms of triboelectric separation of charge carriers.