Cathodoluminescence

A review of recent advances in fundamental knowledge of the mechanism of luminescence excitation by electrons is given. The development of the scintillation counter and studies of electron scattering together with progress in the study of photo-luminescence mechanisms in phosphors have provided a new basis for establishing a sound theory of cathodoluminescence. It is shown that the brightness-voltage relations for conventional screens result from the complex microcrystalline form of the phosphor. Single crystal studies with electron beam and single particle excitation reveal a more simple behavior. Ultimate screen efficiency is shown to be strongly dependent on loss of scattered primary and secondary electrons from the phosphor surface and on nonradiative electron-hole recombination in electron traps and other nonluminescent centers. Current saturation and electron burn are also discussed