title: Cold electron source with an electron multiplier illuminated by ultraviolet photons.
abstract: A cold electron source has been developed using a microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier. Primary electron emission is initiated by illumination with ultraviolet photons from a diode. Final electron emission currents of up to 10 μA in continuous wave (CW) mode and 10 mA in pulsed mode have been achieved from a MCP with an active diameter of 5.5 mm. Electron emission generated by UV photons with a wavelength of 260 nm has been shown to be about 30 times more efficient than emission generated by photons with a wavelength of 300 nm. Application of this cold electron source in mass spectrometry is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Mass Spectrometry Research Division, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chungcheungbuk-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Sik
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seung Yong
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Mo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang