Tin Oxide and Related Oxides with Regard to Cold Cathodes.
Abstract
The results of a study which was originated in order to provide fundamental knowledge of the emission mechanism for SnO2 cold electron emitters are reported. Instead of satisfactorily completing that objective, this work has brought into focus the fact that reports of practically important cold emission from such devices is based on a limited number of cathodes and that it has been impossible to reproduce these cathodes. As a result, no such cathodes were made available for study under this program. Thus, the major finding of this work is that SnO2 (or closely related In-Sn-Oxide) cold cathodes with large emission currents are anomalies which cannot be reproduced at will. Further, it is apparent that only if a major and extremely well thought out and expensive program is undertaken can substantial hope be given to producing such practical cathodes. It is not apparent to the present workers that such a program would be a good investment. Before that decision can be made, some essential groundwork should be done to determine if these cathodes can be economically incorporated into existing devices. Measurements of the spatial and energy spread of emitted electrons should have a high priority.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA035630
Entities
People
- R. A. Powell
- William E. Spicer
Organizations
- Stanford University