Short pulse photoemission from LaB6-based materials

Experimental results obtained in picosecond regime with new LaB6 compounds are presented and compared to LaB6 monocrystal 〈100〉. Quantum yield values up to 6.8 × 10−4 are obtained by using the fourth harmonic of a ND:YAG laser. The lifetime of these classical thermionic cathodes can be improved by heating the photocathode just below the thermoemission threshold. Measurements are performed to verify the temperature effects on this parameter. Effects of pressure in the experimental cell on the lifetime of the photocathode are also given.