The Surface Activation Layer of GaAs Negative Electron Affinity Photocathode Activated by Cs, Li and NF3

The lifetime of GaAs photocathodes can be greatly improved by introducing Li in the Cs+NF{sub 3} activation process. The surface activation layer of such photocathodes is studied by synchrotron radiation photoemission and is compared with GaAs photocathodes activated without Li. The charge distributions of N, F and Cs experience significant changes when Li is added in the activation. In addition, the presence of Li causes NF{sub x} molecules to take an orientation with F atoms on top. All these changes induced by Li hold the key for the lifetime improvement of GaAs photocathodes.