The Effect of Organic Vapor on the Secondary Emission of Phosphors

Abstract

Experiments are described to show that, when a phosphor surface contaminated with organic vapor is bombarded with electrons, the secondary emission ratio is rapidly reduced. If the bombarding voltage is sufficiently high, this will result in a progressive decrease in potential of the phosphor surface and a corresponding decrease in apparent fluroescent efficiency. The relation between this effect and true ``phosphor burn'' is discussed as well as its possible connection with the phenomenon of ``cross burn'' encountered in the cathode-ray tube industry.