Ion production from LiF-coated field emitter tips

Journal Article · Fri Jun 15 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.345819· OSTI ID:6813495

Pregenzer, A L; Bieg, K W; Olson, R E ^[1]; Panitz, J A ^[2]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (USA)
2. Department of Physics, University of NM (USA)

Ion emission has been obtained from a LiF-coated tungsten field-emitter tip. Ion formation is thought to be caused by the high electric field experienced by the LiF. At the time of emission the electric field at the surface of the LiF is calculated to be on the order of 100 MV/cm. Inside the LiF the field is on the order of 10 MV/cm. These fields exceed the value needed to produce bulk dielectric breakdown in LiF. The surface field is of sufficient magnitude to produce ion emission by field evaporation from the crystal surface. Even prior to dielectric breakdown, precursor processes can lead to ion formation. Electric-field-stress fragmentation of the LiF layer is thought to occur, followed by ionization of the fragments.

• OSTI ID: 6813495
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 67:12; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
430301* -- Particle Accelerators-- Ion Sources
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BREAKDOWN
CHARGED PARTICLES
COATINGS
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
FRAGMENTATION
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ION EMISSION
IONS
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
LITHIUM FLUORIDES
LITHIUM HALIDES
LITHIUM IONS
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
STRESSES