Abstract
A large range of elements has been evaluated for use as cathode, anticathode and anode materials in an oxygen cold-cathode discharge. The criterion for suitability of a particular material/electrode combination was based on the ability to extract from the source an ion beam suitable for high dynamic range SIMS. The effect of materials on long and short term stability and total beam current was investigated. The best materials were found to be A1 (all electrodes), Ni/Fe (cathode) and Ti (anticathode). Magnesium was found to be totally unsuitable as a cathode material in an oxygen discharge and caused extreme instability in both the extracted beam and the discharge. The reasons for beam current instability are related to departure from cylindrical symmetry in the source, and are discussed qualitatively.
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