Electron Emission In Vacuum Research Articles

Electron emission from metal-CdS-insulator-metal and metal-insulator-CdS-metal thin film devices

Electron emission in vacuum from thin film devices of the metal-CdS-insulator-metal or metal-insulator-CdS-metal types has been observed. Typical thicknesses of the layers involved are 10,000 Å for the CdS and 2,000 Å for the insulator. The emitted current is of the order of 1–10 micro A while the current circulating through the device is of the order of 1–10 mA. Electron emission comes from certain localized spots of the device active area (total area is 0.2 cm 2). The results are explained in terms of the filamentary conduction model.

Thin film cold cathodes

Electron emission in vacuum has been observed from thin film capacitor-like devices, prepared mainly by evaporation techniques and anodization. Continuous emission and destructive processes which depend on the insulating film and counterelectrode material are described. Transfer ratios up to 2% were obtained.