Abstract:
An inert metal, such as palladium, platinum, or gold, in low concentration, impregnated or diffused to a sufficient depth in materials which exhibit the physical effect of stimulated exoelectron emission (SEE), substantially increases the radiation sensitivity of the SEE materials by permitting a larger percentage of exoelectrons to be emitted therefrom. The reproducibility of response is also increased. Impregnation or diffusion in such materials can be accomplished, for example, by thermal diffusion of metal layers into the surface or throughout the bulk material. The exact procedure for obtaining optimized sensitivity depends upon which inert metal is utilized with a given SEE material, the thickness of the metal, and the diffusion conditions.