Can we unlock room-temperature electron emission? This study explores the low-temperature emission properties of Barium (Ba)-dispenser cathodes with various metal and metal+oxide top layers, examining their performance as a function of anode voltage and operating time. The research aims to identify materials and conditions that enable efficient electron emission at lower temperatures. The researchers tested different cathode configurations, including “Sc”/Re–I and W–I cathodes. The “Sc”/Re–I cathode demonstrated room temperature emission significantly higher than the W–I cathode. However, emission degradation was observed due to the oxidation of Ba–O dipoles. The study also investigated oxygen adsorption and desorption processes at different temperatures. These findings provide valuable insights for designing stable, long-term electron emitters. The study's analysis of oxygen desorption energies and Ba resupply mechanisms offers guidance for achieving stable emission, though the research shows the difficulty in obtaining stable long-term emissions at temperatures below 200°C.
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