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Robust GaN-Based Photocathodes for High-Current RF Electron Injectors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85470
Agency Tracking Number: 91136
Amount: $99,910.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 38 e
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000350
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
7620 Executive Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
United States
DUNS: 876868647
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Amir Dabiran
 Dr.
 (952) 934-2100
 dabiran@svta.com
Business Contact
 Leslie Price
Title: Miss Price
Phone: (952) 934-2100
Email: price@svta.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Photocathodes play a key role in the electron injectors used at DOE accelerator facilities. Metallic photocathodes are very robust, have long lifetimes, and provide the convenience of air transportability. The main disadvantage of these cathodes is their very low quantum efficiency (QE). On the other hand semiconductor cathodes generally have much higher QE but shorter lifetime than metallic cathodes. Hence, there is an immediate need for the development of high QE photocathodes capable of robust operation at high emission currents. This project will investigate the use of GaN-based photocathodes as a candidate technology. In previous work, very-high-emission quantum efficiency values of more than 80% at 120 nm were demonstrated for cesium-activated p-type GaN photocathodes. Phase I will fabricate and characterize robust GaN-based photocathodes for application in high-current RF electron guns. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Robust photocathodes would enhance the capabilities of photo-injectors, the electron source of choice for future linear accelerators and colliders, energy recovery linear accelerators, fourth generation light sources, injectors for laser-driven plasma wake field accelerators, and high-power free electron lasers. The robust photocathodes also could find use in electron beam lithography and metrology.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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