Composition and work function relationship in Os–Ru–W ternary alloys
Os–Ru thin films with varying concentrations of W were sputter deposited in order to investigate their structure–property relationships. The films were analyzed with x-ray diffraction to investigate their crystal structures, and a Kelvin probe to investigate their work functions. An Os–Ru–W film with ∼30 at. % W yielded a work function maximum of approximately 5.38 eV. These results align well with other studies that found work function minima from thermionic emission data on M-type cathodes with varying amounts of W in the coatings. Furthermore, the results are consistent with other work explaining energy-level alignment and charge transfer of molecules on metal oxides. This may shed light on the mechanism behind the “anomalous effect” first reported by Zalm et al., whereby a high work function coating results in a low work function for emitting cathode surfaces. An important implication of this work is the potential for the Kelvin probe to evaluate the effectiveness of dispenser cathode coatings.
- OSTI ID:
- 22392148
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, Vacuum, Surfaces and Films, Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, Vacuum, Surfaces and Films Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 33; ISSN 0734-2101; ISSN JVTAD6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Surface studies of Os/Re/W alloy-coated impregnated tungsten cathodes
WORK FUNCTION MEASUREMENTS IN EXPERIMENTAL TUBES CONTAINING CATHODES OF URANIUM AND ZIRCONIUM CARBIDES