Meier S, Heimerl J, Dienstbier P, Hommelhoff P (2023)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2023
Book Volume: 94
Issue: 10
DOI: 10.1063/5.0165802
Quintessential parameters for needle tip-based electron sources are the work function, the tip apex radius, and the field reduction factor. They determine the static emission properties and strongly influence laser-triggered photoemission experiments at these needle tips. We present a simple method based on photoemission with two different commonly available continuous-wave laser diodes to determine both parameters in situ. We demonstrate our technique at tungsten needle tips. In a first application, use the method to in situ monitor changes of the emitter caused by illumination with strong femtosecond laser pulses. After illumination, we observe an increase in the work function caused by laser-induced changes to the apex of the tip. These changes are reversible upon field evaporation and are accompanied by a change in the spatial electron emission distribution. We believe that this simple in situ work function determination technique is applicable to any metal and in many experimental settings.
APA:
Meier, S., Heimerl, J., Dienstbier, P., & Hommelhoff, P. (2023). Optical measurement of the work function and the field reduction factor of metallic needle tips. Review of Scientific Instruments, 94. https://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0165802
MLA:
Meier, Stefan, et al. "Optical measurement of the work function and the field reduction factor of metallic needle tips." Review of Scientific Instruments 94 (2023).
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