Single-crystal work-function and evaporation measurements of LaB6

Abstract

Retarding potential and Richardson work functions of 2.28±0.03 and 2.47±0.06 eV, respectively, have been measured for the (100) face of LaB6. Auger electron spectra of the thermally cleaned surface gave a B/La ratio of 2.3–2.6. Mass spectrometric measurements showed the evaporating species from a clean LaB6 (100) surface to be atomic La and B in near-stoichiometric proportions. Activation energies for the vaporization of La and B were 6.3±0.3 and 6.8±0.3 eV, respectively.