Influence of pulse polarity on electron emission property of antiferroelectric ceramic

The electron emission property of a novel antiferroelectric cathode material lanthanum-doped lead zirconate stannate titanate (PLZST) on the application of positive or negative triggering voltage pulses has been investigated. All experiments were performed in a vacuum of 10~(-5) Torr and at room tempera- ture. It was discovered that there were two electron emission pulses when low positive triggering voltage was applied to the rear electrode, and three electron emission pulses when high positive trig- gering voltage was applied. However there were always two electron emission pulses when negative triggering pulses were applied. This phenomenon is proposed to be a result of both field electron emission at triple junctions and electron emission caused by polarization reversal. The experimental observations indicate that domain movement in the vicinity close to the triple junction under applica- tion of the triggering voltage pulse may be a primary origin of electron emission from PLZST.