We have investigated the surface coverage and electron emission of thermion
ic dispenser cathodes during 3 keV Ar+ ion bombardment, thereby simulating
the bombardment of the cathodes by residual gases that takes place in catho
de-ray tubes as used in television sets. During the ion bombardment at the
operating temperature of 1030 degreesC, a dynamic equilibrium is establishe
d between the sputter removal and resupply mechanisms of the Ba and O atoms
that form the dipole layer on the cathode substrate. We demonstrated that
the performance of the cathodes under ion bombardment is governed by the O
removal and resupply rates. It was found that the Ba resupply rate is almos
t an order of magnitude higher than the O resupply rate, but that the Ba ca
n only be present on the surface bound to O atoms. Therefore, the Ba/O rati
o is approximately equal to unity during the ion bombardment. Based on the
investigations of the removal and resupply processes, we proposed a model t
hat accurately describes the surface coverage and electron emission during
the ion bombardment, including the dependence of the ion flux and cathode t
emperature. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.