Activation treatment effects on characteristics of BeO layer and secondary electron emission properties of an activated Cu–Be alloy

Abstract Dependence of characteristics of surface BeO layer and secondary electron emission properties of a Cu–Be alloy on activation conditions were studied by measurements of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary electron yield of the alloy based on varying conditions of an optimized activation treatment. The results showed that the thickness and composition distribution of the surface BeO layer of the alloy were closely related to the pre-heat treatment and the affecting factors (oxidation duration, oxidation temperature, and oxygen pressure) of the oxidation process in the activation treatment. The improper treatment leaded to a too thick or too thin surface BeO layer, the presence of metallic Be, and poor distribution of metallic and oxidized Cu in the layer, hence significantly reduced the secondary electron emission yield of the activated Cu–Be alloy.