Pyroelectric electron emission from −Z face polar surface of lithium niobate monodomain single crystal

Pyroelectric electron emission current measurements and spatial electron current distribution collections were investigated from –Z face polar surface of lithium niobate monodomain crystals. The electron emission was detected during cooling due to a field ionization effect. The gap distance variation between the crystal surface and the electron collector significantly influenced the emission behavior. For small gaps (<2 mm) the emission was controlled by intermittent runway ionizations (screening of charge species (electrons and +ions) from plasma breakdown). Whereas, for large gaps (>2 mm) the pyroelectric electron emission was supplied from a soft and maintained plasma medium formation.