WORK FUNCTION CHARACTERIZATION OF DIRECTIONALLY SOLIDIFIED LAB6VB2 EUTECTIC (POSTPRINT)

Abstract

With its low work function and high mechanical strength, the LaB6 /VB2 eutectic system is an interesting candidate for high performance thermionic emitters. For the development of device applications, itis important to understand the origin, value, and spatial distribution of the work function in this system. Here we combine thermal emission electron microscopy and low energy electron microscopy with Augerelectron spectroscopy and physical vapor deposition of the constituent elements to explore physical and chemical conditions governing the work function of these surfaces. Our results include the observation that work function is lower (and emission intensity is higher) on VB2 inclusions than on the La B6 matrix. We also observe that the deposition of atomic monolayer doses of vanadium results in surprisingly significant lowering of the work function with values as low as 1.1 eV.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 10, 2017
Accession Number
AD1040462

Entities

People

  • Andreas K Schmid
  • Steven B. Fairchild
  • Tyson C. Back

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Current Density
  • Electron Emission
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Emitters
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Metals
  • Microscopy
  • Monomolecular Films
  • Nanomaterials
  • Transition Metals
  • Vapor Deposition

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene