Date of Award

Spring 1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Program/Concentration

Electrical Engineering

Committee Director

Karl H. Schoenbach

Committee Member

Amin Dharamsi

Committee Member

Linda Vahala

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.E55 G36

Abstract

The electron beam emission from a LTZ-2 (lead titanate-zirconate) ferroelectric cathode was characterized. The purpose was to determine the operation range for this type of electron emitter. The experimental apparatus consisted of a high voltage driving circuit with a charging voltage up to 30kV. A solid-state SCR switch is used to generate the high voltage pulse which induces a polarization change. Current densities on the order of 80A/cm2 30kV were achieved. The electron beam profile is Guassian. At long anode-cathode distances the measured current densities were found to be above Child-Langmuir space charge limits. The large current densities and the fact that surface luminosity on the ferroelectric was observed, indicates the formation of a plasma within the gap. Overall, the ferroelectric cathode was found to be a durable, inexpensive source that is capable of providing high current densities and high brightness. Its unique features make it attractive for various applications like semiconductor switching and characterization.

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DOI

10.25777/1g19-7c32

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