Innovative photocathodes based on Nanodiamond layers

Two different photocathodes (PCs) based on nanodiamonds (NDs) have been realized at the MWPECVD Laboratory of CNR-NANOTEC of Bari. Each PC consisted of layers of untreated or hydrogenated ND particles of 250 nm deposited on p-doped silicon substrate by means of pulsed spray technique. The quantum efficiency (QE) of the cathodes has been assessed at the UV wavelength of a KrF laser i.e. 248 nm. The laser energy used for the irradiation ranged from 10-3 to 10-2 J/cm2. The ND photocathodes exhibited QE values higher than those shown by conventional Cu ones