The radiation-induced galvanic effect at a metal–dielectric interface

The effect observed upon interaction between the electromagnetic radiation with quantum energy of 25–1000 eV and a dielectric with metal coating is investigated. The radiation source was a megampere Z-pinch. Measurements performed on optical glass samples showed that radiation with a power of ~106 W/cm2 in the electric circuit switching on the metalized dielectric induces the current. It is shown that the observed galvanic effect originates from the generation of hot electrons in the dielectric.