Optimization of LaB6 Cathode Tip Shape for Maximum Brightness Over Lifetime

Abstract

LaB6 cathodes are widely used as high brightness cathodes in electron microscopy and are capable of providing about five times the brightness of a tungsten hairpin filament. It is desirable to optimize the shape of the LaB6 tip to provide the highest possible brightness and to insure that this high level of brightness is maintained over the life of the cathode.It is well known that a high brightness electron beam is important in obtaining ultimate resolution in electron microscopy. Brightness is defined as the current density per unit solid angle, or amperes per square centimeter per steradian, in the electron beam. In electron microscopy, one would like to obtain the maximum possible brightness for the particular electron gun. Brightness is a conserved quantity, meaning that as the beam traverses the column, brightness can not be gained, only lost. Therefore, one must begin with the brightest possible cathode in order to obtain the best possible electron beam brightness.Much work has been done to determine the optimum LaB6 cathode tip shape and crystallographic orientation which will provide the highest brightness over cathode lifetime. The purpose of this is to review some of the previous results, present further data, and draw conclusions as to the optimum LaB6 cathode tip shape for high sustained brightness over cathode life. Nearly all commercially available LaB6 cathodes for electron microscopy employ an axially oriented LaB6 <100> crystal with a conical tip. Most are made with a full cone angle of 2α=90° (Figure 1). Some have a small radius, hemispherical point at the apex of the cone, while others simply have a small diameter truncation (flat) on top of the cone. The geometrical parameters affecting cathode brightness which will be considered here are hemispherical tip radius (R) and flat diameter (ϕ). Of primary interest is the dependence of brightness over lifetime with the variation of these parameters, and the comparison between the hemispherical and the flat tips.