FIGURES OF MERIT FOR FERROELECTRIC ELECTRON-EMISSION CATHODES

Pyroelectrically induced electron emission from different ferroelectri c single crystals and ceramics is studied. It is observed that (Pb,La) (Zr,Ti)O-3 ceramics generate rather low ferroelectric electron emissio n (FEE) current compared with single crystals such as triglycine sulph ate and lithium niobate. Figures of merit for FEE cathodes in the pyro electric excitation mode are derived. It is shown that a physical orig in and consequently figures of merit are quite different for FEE catho des and conventional field electron cathodes. (C) 1996 American Instit ute of Physics.