Surface effects on the low-energy cathodoluminescence of zinc oxide

Abstract

A rapid initial brightness slump and occasional subsequent recovery observed for the zinc‐doped zinc oxide phosphor undergoing cathodoluminescence is shown to depend on the surface work function. A quantitative model leads to an explanation of the dependence on surface potential in terms of field‐aided or retarded surface recombination. Evidence is given that temporarily recovered surfaces result from dynamic surface adsorption of barium.