The emission carbonate crystallite and oxide cathode performance in electron tubes

Abstract

Emission from an oxide cathode is dependent upon the ratio of alkaline earth carbonates present at the cathodes surface. The method by which each carbonate is made plays a key role in its function in a cathode. Other factors effecting the performance of the oxide cathode are the type of constituents in the base metal. These constituents play key roles in barium diffusion and evaporation. It has been found that the crystalline structure of the alkaline earth carbonates affects the life of oxide cathode tubes. The rates of diffusion and evaporation of alkaline earth oxides, were studied with the use of the SEM-electron beam probe and energy dispersive X-ray Edax. Cathode surfaces to the depths of 1000 Å (approximately 200 atomic layers) were scanned. Many cathodes were studied after conversion from carbonates to oxides. It was found that barium oxide evaporated to 1/3 of the original formulation at oxide conversion. This diffusion and evaporation reaction took place throughout tube life. This work has shown that the crystal size, structure, and composition may be modified to lengthen the BaO half life and therefore lengthen the overall life of the electron tube.