Lifetime of ferroelectric Pb(Zr, Ti)O-3 ceramic cathodes with high currentdensity

Electron emission from ferroelectric cathodes is investigated, it is common ly suggested as an electron source for different applications due to its sp ecial characteristics such as high current density, easy treatment, and ope ration. In this experimental research, a lifetime of lead zirconate-titanat e ceramic cathode with composition related to a ferroelectric phase was stu died. The strong plasma emission from the cathode was excited in a nonrever sal (nonswitching) mode by application of unipolar high stress. Severe dama ge to the cathodes was observed, especially in a high repetition rate. An u pper limit of the lifetime of the ferroelectric cathode with plasma-induced emission was estimated at about similar to 10(6) pulses of similar to 200 ns each at similar to 100 Hz repetition rate. Possible applications of the limited lifetime ferroelectric cathode are discussed. (C) 2001 American Ins titute of Physics.