A thin film dispenser or micro-dispenser cathode can be generated using standard RF sputtering deposition technology. These films are compositionally modulated structures based on W and a multi-component Ba oxide. Annealing to temperatures from 900 to 1300 K results in Ba reduction, transport and diffusion across the emitter surface. A finite temperature range exists (<1200 K) where a uniform Re coating can be retained at the emitter surface. The metallic coating results in a nearly homogeneous work function based on emission characteristics. These films produce stable emission at higher temperatures (⩾1200 K) where the uniform Re coating is lost. Analysis of emission properties yield a work function of 2.2 eV and an apparent emission coefficient of 6 A⋅cm−2⋅K−2 after annealing to 1200 K. This high apparent emission coefficient yields a film suitable for milliwatt power generation applications. Microminiature Thermionic Converters (MTCs) are one potential application for these films.
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2 February 2001
Space Technology and Applications International Forum - 2001
11-14 Feb 2001
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Research Article|
February 02 2001
A novel thin film dispenser cathode for thermionic emission
K. R. Zavadil;
K. R. Zavadil
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0888
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D. B. King;
D. B. King
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0888
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J. A. Ruffner
J. A. Ruffner
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0888
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AIP Conf. Proc. 552, 1165–1170 (2001)
Citation
K. R. Zavadil, D. B. King, J. A. Ruffner; A novel thin film dispenser cathode for thermionic emission. AIP Conf. Proc. 2 February 2001; 552 (1): 1165–1170. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1358067
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