Recent Progress toward Robust Photocathodes

RF photoinjectors for next generation spin‐polarized electron accelerators require photo‐cathodes capable of surviving RF gun operation. Free electron laser photoinjectors can benefit from more robust visible light excited photoemitters. A negative electron affinity gallium arsenide activation recipe has been found that diminishes its background gas susceptibility without any loss of near bandgap photoyield. The highest degree of immunity to carbon dioxide exposure was achieved with a combination of cesium and lithium. Activated amorphous silicon photocathodes evince advantageous properties for high current photoinjectors including low cost, substrate flexibility, visible light excitation and greatly reduced gas reactivity compared to gallium arsenide.