Particle Beam - Creation

Creation

Charged particles such as electrons, positrons, and protons may be separated from their common surrounding. This can be accomplished by e.g. thermionic emission or arc discharge. The following devices are commonly used as sources for particle beams:

• ion source
• cathode ray tube, or more specifically in one of its parts called electron gun. This is also part of traditional television and computer screens.
• photocathodes may also be built in as a part of an electron gun, using the photoelectric effect to separate particles from their substrate.
• Neutron beams may be created by energetic proton beams which impact on a target, e.g. of beryllium material. (see article Particle therapy).