Deposition and optimization of thin lead layers for superconducting accelerator photocathodes

A combination of a ultra high vacuum arc deposition system and a recrystallization method was used to optimize the smoothness and thickness of thin-layer lead cathodes for superconducting niobium electron injectors. A non-filtered arc system was chosen to deposit Pb films on niobium. The films then underwent melting and recrystallization by treating them with pulsed argon ion beams in a rod plasma injector.