Abstract
A novel experimental technique was used for direct measurement of cathode material work function at elevated temperature. Dispenser cathodes were activated in a vacuum chamber and the work function determined from the contact potential difference between the cathode and a precisely calibrated probe tip. The experimental test setup allowed for cathodes to be activated and the work function measured without breaking vacuum. B-Type, M-Type, and other cathodes were activated and their work function tracked during the initial heating stage and during cooling after activation. The various cathode types showed a smooth increase in work function as the cathode cooled, but the B-Type had a lower room temperature work function than other cathodes. It is suggested that residual gas in the chamber may have caused the rise in work function during cooling.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | 2016 IEEE International Vacuum Electronics Conference, IVEC 2016 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781467392167 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 6 2016 |
| Event | 17th IEEE International Vacuum Electronics Conference, IVEC 2016 - Monterey, United States Duration: Apr 19 2016 → Apr 21 2016 |
Publication series
| Name | 2016 IEEE International Vacuum Electronics Conference, IVEC 2016 |
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Conference
| Conference | 17th IEEE International Vacuum Electronics Conference, IVEC 2016 |
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| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Monterey |
| Period | 4/19/16 → 4/21/16 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2016 IEEE.
Funding
National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMMI-0928845.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| National Science Foundation (NSF) | CMMI-0928845 |
Keywords
- cathode
- heating
- work function
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering