Optimization of InGaN thickness for high-quantum-efficiency Cs/O-activated InGaN photocathode

The quantum efficiency (QE) of an InGaN photocathode as a function of InGaN layer thickness (240, 100, and 70 nm) was investigated. To activate the sample surface, Cs and O were deposited on the surface in an ultrahigh–vacuum chamber. The QE for different optical power densities was measured by irradiating excitation light from the front and back sides of each sample. The QEs for InGaN layer thickness of 240, 100, and 70 nm with back-side irradiation were 0.9, 9.8, and 7.5%, respectively. For the thicknesses of 70 and 100 nm, the QEs were higher for back-side irradiation than for front-side irradiation, whereas for the thickness of 240 nm, the QE was higher for front-side irradiation. The InGaN layer thickness dependence of the QEs for back- and front-side irradiations was calculated using a continuous equation considering processes such as excitation, diffusion, recombination, and escape of electrons from the surface of the photocathode. The tendency of the experimental results, where QE was maximum at 100–120 nm, corresponded to that of the calculated results.