About cookies on this site Our websites require some cookies to function properly (required). In addition, other cookies may be used with your consent to analyze site usage, improve the user experience and for advertising. For more information, please review your options. By visiting our website, you agree to our processing of information as described in IBM’sprivacy statement. To provide a smooth navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across the IBM web domains listed here.
Publication
Applied Physics Letters
Paper
Photoemission from thin-film lanthanum hexaboride
Abstract
Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) is investigated for its potential as a low work-function photocathode for high brightness e-beam applications. Thin films of LaB6 at room temperature are shown to have quantum efficiencies of 0.2×10-3 at 442 nm excitation but readily form an inhibiting oxide. This oxide is easily removed by in situ 500 eV Ar + ion sputtering, which restores photoemission for over 30 min at an oxygen partial pressure of 10-9 Torr.