Multi-Alkali Photocathode Development at Brookhaven National Lab for Application in Superconducting Photoinjectors

The development of a suitable photocathode for use in a high average current photoinjector at temperatures ranging from 273 K down to 2 K is a subject of considerable interest, and active research. The choice of photocathode material is often a trade-off made based on the quantum efficiency of the cathode material, the tolerance to adverse vacuum conditions, and the laser wavelength needed to produce photoelectrons. In this paper an overview of the BNL work to date on CsK2Sb photocathodes on a variety of substrates, irradiated at multiple wavelengths, and at temperatures down to 170 K will be discussed. The application of this photocathode material into a SRF photoinjector will also be discussed.