Enhanced performance of an Ag(100) photocathode by an ultra-thin MgO film

Benjamin, C, Churn, HM, Rehaag, TJ, Soomary, LAJ, Welsch, CP ORCID: 0000-0001-7085-0973, Jones, LB, Noakes, TCQ and Bell, GR (2022) Enhanced performance of an Ag(100) photocathode by an ultra-thin MgO film. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS, 132 (19). 195303-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0124528

Abstract

<jats:p>Metal photocathodes are widely utilized as electron sources for particle accelerators for their ease of use, high durability, and fast response time. However, the high work function (WF) and low quantum efficiency (QE) typically observed in metals necessitate the use of high power deep UV lasers. Metal oxide ultra-thin films on metals offer a route to photocathodes with a lower WF and improved QE while maintaining photocathode durability and response time. We show how the photocathode performance of an Ag(100) single crystal is enhanced by the addition of an ultra-thin MgO film. The film growth and WF reduction of 1 eV are characterized, and the QE and mean transverse energy (MTE) are measured as a function of illumination wavelength. An eightfold increase of QE is achieved at 266 nm without adding to MTE through additional surface roughness, and the resistance of the photocathode to O2 gas is greatly improved.</jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	7 Affordable and Clean Energy
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2023 16:59
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 11:12
DOI:	10.1063/5.0124528
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0124528
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168458