Direct observation of bi-alkali antimonide photocathodes growth via in operando x-ray diffraction studies
Alkali antimonides have a long history as visible-light-sensitive photocathodes. This study focuses on the process of fabrication of the bi-alkali photocathodes, K2CsSb. In-situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction and photoresponse measurements were used to monitor phase evolution during sequential photocathode growth mode on Si(100) substrates. The amorphous-to-crystalline transition for the initial antimony layer was observed at a film thickness of 40 Å . The antimony crystalline structure dissolved upon potassium deposition, eventually recrystallizing upon further deposition into K-Sb crystalline modifications. This transition, as well as the conversion of potassium antimonide to K2CsSb upon cesium deposition, is correlated with changes in the quantum efficiency.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States); Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Contributing Organization:
- ATLAS Collaboration
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC02-98CH10886; FG02-08ER41547; KC-04-01-010; AC02-06CH11357; AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 1184027
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1212304; OSTI ID: 1223273; OSTI ID: 1421179
- Journal Information:
- APL Materials, Journal Name: APL Materials Vol. 2 Journal Issue: 12; ISSN 2166-532X
- Publisher:
- American Institute of PhysicsCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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