The tabletop electron accelerator demo works by using a high voltage power supply to generate an electric field. This electric field accelerates electrons towards a metal plate, causing them to gain energy. As the electrons pass through a small gap in the plate, they are focused into a tight beam and released into the air. This beam of electrons can then be directed towards a target, creating a visible beam of light.
To create a tabletop electron accelerator demo, you will need a high voltage power supply, a metal plate, a source of electrons (e.g. a cathode), and a target material (e.g. air, a fluorescent screen, or a gas). You will also need a vacuum chamber to contain the electrons and a set of lenses to focus the electrons into a beam.
The power of a tabletop electron accelerator demo can vary depending on the materials used and the voltage applied. However, most tabletop demos can produce a beam of electrons with energies in the range of a few thousand electron volts (eV). This is enough energy to create a visible beam of light and perform basic experiments.
While the tabletop electron accelerator demo is primarily used for educational and demonstration purposes, it can also be used for practical applications such as materials analysis and surface modification. However, the power and precision of these demos are limited compared to larger, industrial electron accelerators.
As with any scientific experiment, it is important to take proper safety precautions when operating a tabletop electron accelerator demo. The high voltage used can be dangerous, so it is important to follow proper safety protocols and wear appropriate protective gear. It is also important to have proper training and knowledge before attempting to operate a tabletop electron accelerator demo.