Fabrication of a planar light source utilizing monoalkali antimonide photocathodes as emitters

Abstract

This paper presents a new concept for a planar light source utilizing Cs3Sb photocathodes as flat electron emitters. The design concept of the devices with a diode structure was that the photocathodes were to be operated in a reflective mode. Commercially available P-22 phosphors were used as a light source of desirable wavelengths. Light emission from the devices was induced by photoemitted electrons, accelerated by an anode electric field that was shielded from the photoemitter surface. The luminescent characteristics of the devices were investigated by measuring the optical parameters as functions of applied anode voltages. The results showed the possibility to produce a more directable and easily controllable stream of light. These make the devices suitable for a variety of planar lighting applications.