AVS 64th International Symposium & Exhibition
    Manufacturing Science and Technology Group Thursday Sessions
       Session MS-ThP

Paper MS-ThP4
Material Characterization of Tungsten Dispenser Cathodes

Thursday, November 2, 2017, 6:30 pm, Room Central Hall

Session: Topics in Manufacturing Science and Technology
Presenter: Briana Fees, San Jose State University and Coherent Inc
Correspondent: Click to Email
Barium impregnated tungsten dispenser cathodes are a critical component in the production of ion plasma lasers. As the emission source for the generation of plasma, the final processing, i.e. activation, of the cathode plays a crucial role in the emission of electrons as well as the lifetime of the laser. This activation process serves two primary purposes; the first being outgassing of impurities, adsorbed and absorbed during cathode processing and atmospheric exposure; the second being conversion of the impregnated barium oxide into free barium on the surface of the cathode, as the barium is the actual ion source. The objective of this work is to perform a full characterization of key process indicators which most influence activation. Preliminary results show a large variance in the resistance of cathode lots indicating a need for unique processing.