Electron emission from PZT ceramic with MgO coating layer induced by pulsed electric field

Electron emission into vacuum from PZT ferroelectric ceramic plate coated w ith MgO thin film has been observed under the application of electric field of pulse consisting of a pair of positive and negative voltages. The damag e surface of electrode and PZT ceramic without MgO coating before and after the electron emission has been observed by microscope, acid the damage is considered to spread out from the triple point. A high-intensity electric f iled exists near the triple pl,int and probably results in the generation o f a plasma, which damages the surface of the electrode and makes the electr on emission unstable. The MgO coating of the surface of the electrode and P ZT has made the emission stable and also enlarged cycles of electron emissi on.