Matching Items (13)
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- All Subjects: Condensed Matter Physics
- Creators: Chamberlin, Ralph
- Creators: Nemanich, Robert
Description
This dissertation is focused on material property exploration and analysis using computational quantum mechanics methods. Theoretical calculations were performed on the recently discovered hexahydride materials A2SiH6 (A=Rb, K) to calculate the lattice dynamics of the systems in order to check for structural stability, verify the experimental Raman and infrared spectrospcopy results, and obtain the theoretical free energies of formation. The electronic structure of the systems was calculated and the bonding and ionic properties of the systems were analyzed. The novel hexahydrides were compared to the important hydrogen storage material KSiH3. This showed that the hypervalent nature of the SiH62- ions reduced the Si-H bonding strength considerably. These hydrogen rich compounds could have promising energy applications as they link to alternative hydrogen fuel technology. The carbide systems Li-C (A=Li,Ca,Mg) were studied using \emph{ab initio} and evolutionary algorithms at high pressures. At ambient pressure Li2C2 and CaC2 are known to contain C22- dumbbell anions and CaC2 is polymorphic. At elevated pressure both CaC2 and Li2C2 display polymorphism. At ambient pressure the Mg-C system contains several experimentally known phases, however, all known phases are shown to be metastable with respect to the pure elements Mg and C. First principle investigation of the configurational space of these compounds via evolutionary algorithms results in a variety of metastable and unique structures. The binary compounds ZnSb and ZnAs are II-V electron-poor semiconductors with interesting thermoelectric properties. They contain rhomboid rings composed of Zn2Sb2 (Zn2As2) with multi-centered covalent bonds which are in turn covalently bonded to other rings via two-centered, two-electron bonds. Ionicity was explored via Bader charge analysis and it appears that the low ionicity that these materials display is a necessary condition of their multicentered bonding. Both compounds were found to have narrow, indirect band gaps with multi-valley valence and conduction bands; which are important characteristics for high thermopower in thermoelectric materials. Future work is needed to analyze the lattice properties of the II-V CdSb-type systems, especially in order to find the origin of the extremely low thermal conductivity that these systems display.
ContributorsBenson, Daryn Eugene (Author) / Häussermann, Ulrich (Thesis advisor) / Shumway, John (Thesis advisor) / Chamberlin, Ralph (Committee member) / Sankey, Otto (Committee member) / Treacy, Mike (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
The heat transfer enhancements available from expanding the cross-section of a boiling microchannel are explored analytically and experimentally. Evaluation of the literature on critical heat flux in flow boiling and associated pressure drop behavior is presented with predictive critical heat flux (CHF) and pressure drop correlations. An optimum channel configuration allowing maximum CHF while reducing pressure drop is sought. A perturbation of the channel diameter is employed to examine CHF and pressure drop relationships from the literature with the aim of identifying those adequately general and suitable for use in a scenario with an expanding channel. Several CHF criteria are identified which predict an optimizable channel expansion, though many do not. Pressure drop relationships admit improvement with expansion, and no optimum presents itself. The relevant physical phenomena surrounding flow boiling pressure drop are considered, and a balance of dimensionless numbers is presented that may be of qualitative use. The design, fabrication, inspection, and experimental evaluation of four copper microchannel arrays of different channel expansion rates with R-134a refrigerant is presented. Optimum rates of expansion which maximize the critical heat flux are considered at multiple flow rates, and experimental results are presented demonstrating optima. The effect of expansion on the boiling number is considered, and experiments demonstrate that expansion produces a notable increase in the boiling number in the region explored, though no optima are observed. Significant decrease in the pressure drop across the evaporator is observed with the expanding channels, and no optima appear. Discussion of the significance of this finding is presented, along with possible avenues for future work.
ContributorsMiner, Mark (Author) / Phelan, Patrick E (Thesis advisor) / Baer, Steven (Committee member) / Chamberlin, Ralph (Committee member) / Chen, Kangping (Committee member) / Herrmann, Marcus (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
In this dissertation, combined photo-induced and thermionic electron emission from low work function diamond films is studied through low energy electron spectroscopy analysis and other associated techniques. Nitrogen-doped, hydrogen-terminated diamond films prepared by the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition method have been the most focused material. The theme of this research is represented by four interrelated issues. (1) An in-depth study describes combined photo-induced and thermionic emission from nitrogen-doped diamond films on molybdenum substrates, which were illuminated with visible light photons, and the electron emission spectra were recorded as a function of temperature. The diamond films displayed significant emissivity with a low work function of ~ 1.5 eV. The results indicate that these diamond emitters can be applied in combined solar and thermal energy conversion. (2) The nitrogen-doped diamond was further investigated to understand the physical mechanism and material-related properties that enable the combined electron emission. Through analysis of the spectroscopy, optical absorbance and photoelectron microscopy results from sample sets prepared with different configurations, it was deduced that the photo-induced electron generation involves both the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond and the interface between the diamond film and metal substrate. (3) Based on results from the first two studies, possible photon-enhanced thermionic emission was examined from nitrogen-doped diamond films deposited on silicon substrates, which could provide the basis for a novel approach for concentrated solar energy conversion. A significant increase of emission intensity was observed at elevated temperatures, which was analyzed using computer-based modeling and a combination of different emission mechanisms. (4) In addition, the electronic structure of vanadium-oxide-terminated diamond surfaces was studied through in-situ photoemission spectroscopy. Thin layers of vanadium were deposited on oxygen-terminated diamond surfaces which led to oxide formation. After thermal annealing, a negative electron affinity was found on boron-doped diamond, while a positive electron affinity was found on nitrogen-doped diamond. A model based on the barrier at the diamond-oxide interface was employed to analyze the results. Based on results of this dissertation, applications of diamond-based energy conversion devices for combined solar- and thermal energy conversion are proposed.
ContributorsSun, Tianyin (Author) / Nemanich, Robert (Thesis advisor) / Ponce, Fernando (Committee member) / Peng, Xihong (Committee member) / Spence, John (Committee member) / Treacy, Michael (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
A series of Molybdenum-Copper bilayers were studied for use in 120mK superconducting transition edge sensors for spectrometer applications. The Transition temperature (TC) was tuned to the desired temperature using the proximity effect, by adjusting the thickness of a normal copper layer in direct contact with the superconducting molybdenum layer in a proximitized bilayer structure. The bilayers have a fixed normal metal thickness dCu=1250 Å, on top of a variable superconductor thickness 650 Å ≤ dMo ≤ 1000 Å. Material characterization techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and 4-point electrical characterization are used to characterize the films. Film TC are compared with the results of the Usadel proximity theory. The results of RBS analysis demonstrated that some Argon-contamination is observed at the Mo film-substrate interface, which correlates with bilayer surface roughness (as observed with AFM), reduced crystalline quality (via XRD Rocking Curve), and a deviation from the theoretical expected TC for a bilayer. The Argon contamination is presumably the cause of interface roughness, reducing the interface transmission coefficient in the Usadel model, and producing the discrepancy from the expected TC.
ContributorsKopas, Cameron (Author) / Newman, Nathan (Thesis advisor) / Singh, Rakesh (Committee member) / Chamberlin, Ralph (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
Recent literature indicates potential benefits in microchannel cooling if an inlet orifice is used to suppress pressure oscillations that develop under two-phase conditions. This study investigates the costs and benefits of using an adjustable microchannel inlet orifice. The focus is on orifice effect during steady-state boiling and critical heat flux (CHF) in the channels using R134a in a pumped refrigerant loop (PRL). To change orifice size, a dam controlled with a micrometer was placed in front of 31 parallel microchannels. Each channel had a hydraulic diameter of 0.235 mm and a length of 1.33 cm. For steady state two-phase conditions, mass fluxes of 300 kg m-2 s-1 and 600 kg m-2 s-1were investigated. For orifice sizes with a hydraulic diameter to unrestricted hydraulic diameter (Dh:Dh,ur) ratio less than 35 percent, oscillations were reduced and wall temperatures fell up to 1.5 °C. Critical heat flux data were obtained for 7 orifice sizes with mass fluxes from 186 kg m-2 s-1 to 847 kg m-2 s-1. For all mass fluxes and inlet conditions tested, CHF values for a Dh:Dh,ur ratio of 1.8 percent became increasingly lower (up to 37 W cm-2 less) than those obtained with larger orifices. An optimum orifice size with Dh:Dh,ur of 35 percent emerged, offering up to 5 W cm-2 increase in CHF over unrestricted conditions at the highest mass flux tested, 847 kg m-2 s-1. These improvements in cooling ability with inlet orifices in place under both steady-state and impending CHF conditions are modest, leading to the conclusion that inlet orifices are only mildly effective at improving heat transfer coefficients. Stability of the PRL used for experimentation was also studied and improved. A vapor compression cycle's (VCC) proportional, integral, and derivative controller was found to adversely affect stability within the PRL and cause premature CHF. Replacing the VCC with an ice water heat sink maintained steady pumped loop system pressures and mass flow rates. The ice water heat sink was shown to have energy cost savings over the use of a directly coupled VCC for removing heat from the PRL.
ContributorsOdom, Brent A (Author) / Phelan, Patrick E (Thesis advisor) / Herrmann, Marcus (Committee member) / Trimble, Steve (Committee member) / Tasooji, Amaneh (Committee member) / Holcomb, Don (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
In this dissertation, in-situ X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy have been employed to study the interface chemistry and electronic structure of potential high-k gate stack materials. In these gate stack materials, HfO2 and La2O3 are selected as high-k dielectrics, VO2 and ZnO serve as potential channel layer materials. The gate stack structures have been prepared using a reactive electron beam system and a plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition system. Three interrelated issues represent the central themes of the research: 1) the interface band alignment, 2) candidate high-k materials, and 3) band bending, internal electric fields, and charge transfer. 1) The most highlighted issue is the band alignment of specific high-k structures. Band alignment relationships were deduced by analysis of XPS and UPS spectra for three different structures: a) HfO2/VO2/SiO2/Si, b) HfO2-La2O3/ZnO/SiO2/Si, and c) HfO2/VO2/ HfO2/SiO2/Si. The valence band offset of HfO2/VO2, ZnO/SiO2 and HfO2/SiO2 are determined to be 3.4 ± 0.1, 1.5 ± 0.1, and 0.7 ± 0.1 eV. The valence band offset between HfO2-La2O3 and ZnO was almost negligible. Two band alignment models, the electron affinity model and the charge neutrality level model, are discussed. The results show the charge neutrality model is preferred to describe these structures. 2) High-k candidate materials were studied through comparison of pure Hf oxide, pure La oxide, and alloyed Hf-La oxide films. An issue with the application of pure HfO2 is crystallization which may increase the leakage current in gate stack structures. An issue with the application of pure La2O3 is the presence of carbon contamination in the film. Our study shows that the alloyed Hf-La oxide films exhibit an amorphous structure along with reduced carbon contamination. 3) Band bending and internal electric fields in the gate stack structure were observed by XPS and UPS and indicate the charge transfer during the growth and process. The oxygen plasma may induce excess oxygen species with negative charges, which could be removed by He plasma treatment. The final HfO2 capping layer deposition may reduce the internal potential inside the structures. The band structure was approaching to a flat band condition.
ContributorsZhu, Chiyu (Author) / Nemanich, Robert (Thesis advisor) / Chamberlin, Ralph (Committee member) / Chen, Tingyong (Committee member) / Ponce, Fernando (Committee member) / Smith, David (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
A theoretical study of a three-dimensional (3D) N/S interface with arbitrary spin
polarization and interface geometry is presented. The 3D model gives the same intrinsic
spin polarization and superconducting gap dependence as the 1D model. This
demonstrates that the 1D model can be use to t 3D data.
Using this model, a Heusler alloy is investigated. Andreev reflection measurements
show that the spin polarization is 80% in samples sputtered on unheated MgO(100)
substrates and annealed at high temperatures. However, the spin polarization is
considerably smaller in samples deposited on heated substrates.
Ferromagnetic FexSix alloys have been proposed as potential spin injectors into
silicon with a substantial spin polarization. Andreev Reflection Spectroscopy (ARS) is
utilized to determine the spin polarization of both amorphous and crystalline Fe65Si35
alloys. The amorphous phase has a significantly higher spin polarization than that of
the crystalline phase.
In this thesis, (1111) Fe SmO0:82F0:18FeAs and Pb superconductors are used to
measure the spin polarization of a highly spin-polarized material, La0:67Sr0:33MnO3.
Both materials yield the same intrinsic spin polarization, therefore, Fe-superconductors
can be used in ARS. Based on the behavior of the differential conductance for highly
spin polarized LSMO and small polarization of Au, it can be concluded that the Fe-Sc
is not a triplet superconductor.
Zero bias anomaly (ZBA), in point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR), has been
utilized as a characteristic feature to reveal many novel physics. Complexities at a
normal metal/superconducting interface often cause nonessential ZBA-like features,
which may be mistaken as ZBA. In this work, it is shown that an extrinsic ZBA,
which is due to the contact resistance, cannot be suppressed by a highly spin-polarized
current while a nonessential ZBA cannot be affected the contact resistance.
Finally, Cu/Cu multilayer GMR structures were fabricated and the GMR% measured
at 300 K and 4.5 K gave responses of 63% and 115% respectively. Not only
do the GMR structures have a large enhancement of resistance, but by applying an
external magnetic eld it is shown that, unlike most materials, the spin polarization
can be tuned to values of 0.386 to 0.415 from H = 0 kOe to H = 15 kOe.
polarization and interface geometry is presented. The 3D model gives the same intrinsic
spin polarization and superconducting gap dependence as the 1D model. This
demonstrates that the 1D model can be use to t 3D data.
Using this model, a Heusler alloy is investigated. Andreev reflection measurements
show that the spin polarization is 80% in samples sputtered on unheated MgO(100)
substrates and annealed at high temperatures. However, the spin polarization is
considerably smaller in samples deposited on heated substrates.
Ferromagnetic FexSix alloys have been proposed as potential spin injectors into
silicon with a substantial spin polarization. Andreev Reflection Spectroscopy (ARS) is
utilized to determine the spin polarization of both amorphous and crystalline Fe65Si35
alloys. The amorphous phase has a significantly higher spin polarization than that of
the crystalline phase.
In this thesis, (1111) Fe SmO0:82F0:18FeAs and Pb superconductors are used to
measure the spin polarization of a highly spin-polarized material, La0:67Sr0:33MnO3.
Both materials yield the same intrinsic spin polarization, therefore, Fe-superconductors
can be used in ARS. Based on the behavior of the differential conductance for highly
spin polarized LSMO and small polarization of Au, it can be concluded that the Fe-Sc
is not a triplet superconductor.
Zero bias anomaly (ZBA), in point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR), has been
utilized as a characteristic feature to reveal many novel physics. Complexities at a
normal metal/superconducting interface often cause nonessential ZBA-like features,
which may be mistaken as ZBA. In this work, it is shown that an extrinsic ZBA,
which is due to the contact resistance, cannot be suppressed by a highly spin-polarized
current while a nonessential ZBA cannot be affected the contact resistance.
Finally, Cu/Cu multilayer GMR structures were fabricated and the GMR% measured
at 300 K and 4.5 K gave responses of 63% and 115% respectively. Not only
do the GMR structures have a large enhancement of resistance, but by applying an
external magnetic eld it is shown that, unlike most materials, the spin polarization
can be tuned to values of 0.386 to 0.415 from H = 0 kOe to H = 15 kOe.
ContributorsGifford, Jessica Anna (Author) / Chen, Tingyong (Thesis advisor) / Bennett, Peter (Committee member) / Nemanich, Robert (Committee member) / Tsen, Kong-Thon (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
In recent years, there has been increased interest in the Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN) material system for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The InGaN alloy system has demonstrated high performance for high frequency power devices, as well as for optical light emitters. This material system is also promising for photovoltaic applications due to broad range of bandgaps of InxGa1-xN alloys from 0.65 eV (InN) to 3.42 eV (GaN), which covers most of the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths. InGaN’s high absorption coefficient, radiation resistance and thermal stability (operating with temperature > 450 ℃) makes it a suitable PV candidate for hybrid concentrating solar thermal systems as well as other high temperature applications. This work proposed a high efficiency InGaN-based 2J tandem cell for high temperature (450 ℃) and concentration (200 X) hybrid concentrated solar thermal (CSP) application via numerical simulation. In order to address the polarization and band-offset issues for GaN/InGaN hetero-solar cells, band-engineering techniques are adopted and a simple interlayer is proposed at the hetero-interface rather than an Indium composition grading layer which is not practical in fabrication. The base absorber thickness and doping has been optimized for 1J cell performance and current matching has been achieved for 2J tandem cell design. The simulations also suggest that the issue of crystalline quality (i.e. short SRH lifetime) of the nitride material system to date is a crucial factor limiting the performance of the designed 2J cell at high temperature. Three pathways to achieve ~25% efficiency have been proposed under 450 ℃ and 200 X. An anti-reflection coating (ARC) for the InGaN solar cell optical management has been designed. Finally, effective mobility model for quantum well solar cells has been developed for efficient quasi-bulk simulation.
ContributorsFang, Yi, Ph.D (Author) / Vasileska, Dragica (Thesis advisor) / Goodnick, Stephen (Thesis advisor) / Ponce, Fernando (Committee member) / Nemanich, Robert (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
In this dissertation I studied the anomalous Hall effect in MgO/Permalloy/Nonmagnetic Metal(NM) based structure, spin polarized current in YIG/Pt based thin films and the origin of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA) in the Ru/Co/Ru based structures.
The anomalous Hall effect is the observation of a nonzero voltage difference across a magnetic material transverse to the current that flows through the material and the external magnetic field. Unlike the ordinary Hall effect which is observed in nonmagnetic metals, the anomalous Hall effect is only observed in magnetic materials and is orders of magnitude larger than the ordinary Hall effect. Unlike quantum anomalous Hall effect which only works in low temperature and extremely large magnetic field, anomalous Hall effect can be measured at room temperature under a relatively small magnetic field. This allows the anomalous Hall effect to have great potential applications in spintronics and be a good characterization tool for ferromagnetic materials especially materials that have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA).
In my research, it is observed that a polarity change of the Hall resistance in the MgO/Permalloy/NM structure can be obtained when certain nonmagnetic metal is used as the capping layer while no polarity change is observed when some other metal is used as the capping layer. This allows us to tune the polarity of the anomalous Hall effect by changing the thickness of a component of the structure. My conclusion is that an intrinsic mechanism from Berry curvature plays an important role in the sign of anomalous Hall resistivity in the MgO/Py/HM structures. Surface and interfacial scattering also make substantial contribution to the measured Hall resistivity.
Spin polarization(P) is one of the key concepts in spintronics and is defined as the difference in the spin up and spin down electron population near the Fermi level of a conductor. It has great applications in the spintronics field such as the creation of spin transfer torques, magnetic tunnel junction(MTJ), spintronic logic devices.
In my research, spin polarization is measured on platinum layers grown on a YIG layer. Platinum is a nonmagnetic metal with strong spin orbit coupling which intrinsically has zero spin polarization. Nontrivial spin polarization measured by ARS is observed in the Pt layer when it is grown on YIG ferromagnetic insulator. This result is contrary to the zero spin polarization in the Pt layer when it is grown directly on SiO2 substrate. Magnetic proximity effect and spin current pumping from YIG into Pt is proposed as the reason of the nontrivial spin polarization induced in Pt. An even higher spin polarization in the Pt layer is observed when an ultrathin NiO layer or Cu layer is inserted between Pt and YIG which blocks the proximity effect. The spin polarization in the NiO inserted sample shows temperature dependence. This demonstrates that the spin current transmission is further enhanced in ultrathin NiO layers through magnon and spin fluctuations.
Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy(PMA) has important applications in spintronics and magnetic storage. In the last chapter, I study the origin of PMA in one of the structures that shows PMA: Ru/Co/Ru. By measuring the ARS curve while changing the magnetic field orientation, the origin of the PMA in this structure is determined to be the strain induced by lattice mismatch.
The anomalous Hall effect is the observation of a nonzero voltage difference across a magnetic material transverse to the current that flows through the material and the external magnetic field. Unlike the ordinary Hall effect which is observed in nonmagnetic metals, the anomalous Hall effect is only observed in magnetic materials and is orders of magnitude larger than the ordinary Hall effect. Unlike quantum anomalous Hall effect which only works in low temperature and extremely large magnetic field, anomalous Hall effect can be measured at room temperature under a relatively small magnetic field. This allows the anomalous Hall effect to have great potential applications in spintronics and be a good characterization tool for ferromagnetic materials especially materials that have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA).
In my research, it is observed that a polarity change of the Hall resistance in the MgO/Permalloy/NM structure can be obtained when certain nonmagnetic metal is used as the capping layer while no polarity change is observed when some other metal is used as the capping layer. This allows us to tune the polarity of the anomalous Hall effect by changing the thickness of a component of the structure. My conclusion is that an intrinsic mechanism from Berry curvature plays an important role in the sign of anomalous Hall resistivity in the MgO/Py/HM structures. Surface and interfacial scattering also make substantial contribution to the measured Hall resistivity.
Spin polarization(P) is one of the key concepts in spintronics and is defined as the difference in the spin up and spin down electron population near the Fermi level of a conductor. It has great applications in the spintronics field such as the creation of spin transfer torques, magnetic tunnel junction(MTJ), spintronic logic devices.
In my research, spin polarization is measured on platinum layers grown on a YIG layer. Platinum is a nonmagnetic metal with strong spin orbit coupling which intrinsically has zero spin polarization. Nontrivial spin polarization measured by ARS is observed in the Pt layer when it is grown on YIG ferromagnetic insulator. This result is contrary to the zero spin polarization in the Pt layer when it is grown directly on SiO2 substrate. Magnetic proximity effect and spin current pumping from YIG into Pt is proposed as the reason of the nontrivial spin polarization induced in Pt. An even higher spin polarization in the Pt layer is observed when an ultrathin NiO layer or Cu layer is inserted between Pt and YIG which blocks the proximity effect. The spin polarization in the NiO inserted sample shows temperature dependence. This demonstrates that the spin current transmission is further enhanced in ultrathin NiO layers through magnon and spin fluctuations.
Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy(PMA) has important applications in spintronics and magnetic storage. In the last chapter, I study the origin of PMA in one of the structures that shows PMA: Ru/Co/Ru. By measuring the ARS curve while changing the magnetic field orientation, the origin of the PMA in this structure is determined to be the strain induced by lattice mismatch.
ContributorsLi, Bochao (Author) / Chen, Tingyong (Committee member) / Bennett, Peter (Committee member) / Nemanich, Robert (Committee member) / Qing, Quan (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
The performance of kilometer-scale electron accelerators, which are used for high energy physics and next-generation light sources as well as meter-scale ultra-fast electron diffraction setups is limited by the brightness of electron sources. A potential emerging candidate for such applications is the family of alkali and bi-alkali antimonides. Much of the physics of photoemission from such semiconductor photocathodes is not fully understood even today, which poses a hindrance to the complete exploration and optimization of their photoemission properties. This thesis presents the theoretical and experimental measurements which lead to advances in the understanding of the photoemission process and properties of cesium-antimonide photocathodes. First, the growth of high quantum efficiency (QE), atomically smooth and chemically homogeneous Cs$_3$Sb cathodes on lattice-matched strontium titanate substrates (STO) is demonstrated. The roughness-induced mean transverse energies (MTE) simulations indicate that the contribution to MTE from nanoscale surface roughness of Cs$_3$Sb cathodes grown on STO is inconsequential over typically used field gradients in photoinjectors. Second, the formulation of a new approach to model photoemission from cathodes with disordered surfaces is demonstrated. The model is used to explain near-threshold photoemission from thin film Cs$_3$Sb cathodes. This model suggests that the MTE values may get limited to higher values due to the defect density of states near the valence band maximum. Third, the detailed measurements of MTE and kinetic energy distribution spectra along with QE from Cs$_3$Sb cathodes using the photoemission electron microscope are presented. These measurements indicate that Cs$_3$Sb cathodes have a work function in the range of 1.5-1.6 eV. When photoemitting near this work function energy, the MTE nearly converges to the thermal limit of 26 meV. However, the QE is extremely low, of the order of 10$^{-7}$, which limits the operation of these photocathodes for high current applications. Lastly, the growth of Cs$_3$Sb cathodes using the ion beam assisted molecular beam deposition (IBA-MBE) technique is demonstrated. This technique has the potential to grow epitaxial Cs$_3$Sb cathodes in a more reproducible, easier fashion. Structural characterization of such cathodes via tools such as reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) will be necessary to investigate the role of the IBA-MBE technique in facilitating the epitaxial, ordered growth of alkali-antimonides.
ContributorsSaha, Pallavi (Author) / Karkare, Siddharth (Thesis advisor) / Bennett, Peter (Committee member) / Nemanich, Robert (Committee member) / Kaindl, Robert (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023