Abstract
X‐ray diffraction methods were used to investigate time changes which occur in the composition of oxide cathode coatings, initially equal molar (BaSr)O. Changes which occur in the composition of the bulk of the coating were detected by means of lattice constant measurements. A new method of analysis was developed to permit a determination of the variation of composition with depth below the surface. The bulk loss of BaO is primarily a function of the base metal used and the surface loss from the oxide is effected to a lesser extent. Possible correlations with thermionic emission are discussed.