Ultrahot electron formation under excess electron drift through solid Xe

The formation of "hot" (8 eV) electrons under excess electron drift in a moderate electrostatic field through solid xenon has been experimentally proved by observation of secondary electrons emitted from the photocathode. At T=77 K and U=1000 V one drifting electron produces about 20 (172 nm) photons, the efficiency of electric field-to-vacuum ultraviolet emission conversion is 15% tending to grow with temperature. A self-sustained electric discharge has been generated in solid Xe using a three-electrode cell with a zinc cathode.