Simplified formation process of a low work function insert

US10002738B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION · US

Inventors

• Casey C. Farnell · Fort Collins, US
• Cody Farnell · Fort Collins, US
• John Williams · New Palestine, US
• Desiree D. Williams · Fort Collins, US
• Bao Gia Nguyen · Fort Collins, US
• Kathryn Elizabeth Greiner · Fort Collins, US
• Ryan Kenneth Ham · Fort Collins, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2017
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2018
• Expiry date: Mar 22, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01J2237/3104
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

In an example, a method to form a low work function insert includes preparing a mixture that includes a first powder that contains barium, a second powder that contains calcium, a third powder that contains at least one of aluminum, samarium, or magnesium, and a fourth powder that contains a refractory metal. The method may also include heating the mixture, contained in a crucible, in a furnace. Oxygen concentration in the furnace may be maintained at a low partial pressure during heating of the mixture in the furnace. The low work function of the insert allows electrons to be readily extracted from its surface.