Abstract
The thermionic work functions of five different beryllium samples were studied as a function of the degree of surface oxidation. The state of oxidation of each sample was determined by visual observation and by analysis of x-ray diffraction patterns. The data were analyzed by the Schottky plot-Richardson plot method. One wire was completely oxidized to BeO and its Richardson work function was found to be 3.80±0.06 e V and the thermionic constant was 31 amps/cm2-∮K2. From visual and x-ray analyses of the various samples, it is concluded that the lowest work function determined for any of the beryllium samples, 3.22±0.08 eV, is the closest to the work function of pure polycrystalline beryllium metal.
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