Superlattice Photocathodes for Accelerator-Based Polarized Electron Source Applications
A major improvement in the performance of the SLC was achieved with the introduction of thin strained-layer semiconductor crystals. After some optimization, polarizations of 75-85% became standard with lifetimes that were equal to or better than that of thick unstrained crystals. Other accelerators of polarized electrons, generally operating with a much higher duty factor, have now successfully utilized similar photocathodes. For future colliders, the principal remaining problem is the limit on the total charge that can be extracted in a time scale of 10 to 100 ns. In addition, higher polarization is critical for exploring new physics, especially supersymmetry. However, it appears that strained-layer crystals have reached the limit of their optimization. Today strained superlattice crystals are the most promising candidates for better performance. The individual layers of the superlattice can be designed to be below the critical thickness for strain relaxation, thus in principle improving the polarization. Thin layers also promote high electron conduction to the surface. In addition the potential barriers at the surface for both emission of conduction-band electrons to vacuum and for tunneling of valence-band holes to the surface can be significantly less than for single strained-layer crystals, thus enhancing both the yield at any intensity and also decreasing the limitations on the total charge. The inviting properties of the recently developed AlInGaAs/GaAs strained superlattice with minimal barriers in the conduction band are discussed in detail.
- Research Organization:
- SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Research (ER) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00515
- OSTI ID:
- 10001
- Report Number(s):
- SLAC-PUB-8052; TRN: US0103284
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 22 Mar 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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