Materials Characteristics and Surface Morphology of a Cesium Iodide Coated Carbon Velvet Cathode (POSTPRINT)
Abstract
Cesium Iodide (CsI) coated carbon fiber cathodes have shown promise as a cold cathode for microwave and x-ray devices. In particular, the cathodes have demonstrated over 1 million shots lifetime at operating voltages at or in excess of 165 kV and current densities greater than 25 A/cm2. While the vacuum emission characteristics have been well studied, the materials characteristics of the cathodes themselves, particularly after operation have received little attention. Furthermore, while researchers at University of Wisconsin have demonstrated a reduction in a work function of carbon due to the CsI coating, the details of the emission mechanism remain poorly understood. This paper gives results of a series of materials diagnostics investigating the cathode surface morphology as well as the changes in the carbon fiber structure with cathode shot history.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA516479
Entities
People
- David Kiptak
- Don Shiffler
- Gary Price
- Keith Cartwright
- Ken Golby
- Matthew Lacour
- Rich Vaia
- Susan Heidger
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory