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Characterization of tungsten surfaces by simultaneous work function and secondary electron emission measurements
Gy Vida1, V K Josepovits, M Gyor
1Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Atomic Physics, Surface Physics Laboratory, Budafoki ut 8, Budapest, H-1111, Hungary. vg309@hszk.bme.hu
Summary
Investigating oxygen-covered tungsten, this study reveals how ion sputtering and heat treatments alter its surface chemistry, work function (Phi), and secondary electron emission (SEE), suggesting a direct relationship between these properties.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Polycrystalline tungsten surfaces are often modified by oxygen exposure.
- Ion sputtering and heat treatments are common methods to alter surface properties.
- Understanding work function and secondary electron emission is crucial for electron device applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ion sputtering and heat treatments on the work function (Phi) and secondary electron emission (SEE) of oxygen-covered polycrystalline tungsten.
- To correlate surface chemical changes with observed electron emission properties.
Main Methods:
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical composition analysis.
- Work function spectroscopy (WFS) for measuring electron emission properties.
- Controlled ion sputtering and heat treatments applied to oxygen-covered tungsten.
Main Results:
- Observed significant changes in work function (Phi) and secondary electron emission (SEE) after sputtering and heat treatments.
- Demonstrated a correlation between surface chemical composition and electron emission characteristics.
- Identified simultaneous changes in Phi and SEE for oxygen-covered tungsten.
Conclusions:
- Surface chemical modifications directly influence the work function and secondary electron emission of tungsten.
- A direct relationship exists between the work function and secondary electron emission in oxygen-covered tungsten under the studied conditions.
- These findings provide insights into surface engineering for controlling electron emission properties.