Shallow Donor Emission Cathode Study.
Abstract
Work was begun on the development of a low-workfunction thermionic emitter by introducing shallow donor states into matrices having a low electron affinity. The preliminary objective was to demonstrate experimentally the introduction of controlled concentrations of shallow states into an appropriate matrix. Special consideration was given to the control of extraneous surface effects, evaporation, poisoning, and other deleterious conditions. The alkaline earth oxides, especially BaO, appeared to be the most likely materials for use as a matrix. The calculations, which have been performed, indicated that a reasonable approach to the incorporation of shallow donors into BaO was the substitution of a trivalent rare earth ion for Ba(+2), followed by a chemical reduction of the system. The elucidation of the donor properties of various additives could probably best be made through photoemission and Hall coefficient measurements in addition to the direct study of thermionic emission. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267831
Entities
People
- J.e. Mclinden
- J.k. Gorman
Organizations
- Sperry Corporation