Graphene Intermediate Layer for Robust and Spectrum-Extended Cu Photocathode Activated with Cs and O

Developing an effective method to stably enhance the quantum efficiency (QE) and extend the photoemission threshold of Cu photocathodes beyond the ultraviolet region could benefit the photoinjector for ultrafast electron source applications. The implementation of a 2D material protective layer is considered a promising approach to extending the operating lifetime of photocathodes. We propose that graphene can serve as an intermediate layer at the interface between photocathode material and low-work-function coating. The role of oxygen in the Cs/O activation process on the Cu surface is altered by the graphene interlayer. Besides, the few-layer graphene (FLG) surface could be more likely to induce the formation of Cs₂O. Thus, the graphene-Cu composite photocathode can achieve an ultralow surface work function of down to 0.878 eV through Cs/O activation. The photoemission performance of the composite cathode with a FLG interlayer is significantly enhanced. The photocathode has an extended spectral response to the near-infrared region and a higher QE. At 350 nm, its QE is more than twice that of the cesiated bare Cu, reaching 0.247%. After degradation, the graphene-Cu cathode can be fully restored by reactivation, with remarkably enhanced stability. In addition, the composite cathode can be operated reliably under a poor vacuum pressure of over 4 × 10^-6 Pa. This study validates a new method for incorporating 2D materials into photocathodes, offering novel approaches to explore robust and spectrum-extended photocathodes.