Studies on Tungsten-Rhenium mixed matrix cathodes

Studies are carried out on W-Re mixed matrix cathodes of varying compositions. The work function, when W & Re are in close proportions, is close to that of Re-coated cathode. The cathodes exhibited heating and decay effects at long pulses. AES in conjunction with SEM studies supported the presence of a thick active layer. The non-metallic behaviour is attributed to the presence of an appreciable amount of unreduced BaO. The resistance to Oxygen poisoning is better than that of a conventional B-Type cathode.