Secondary Electrons From Contaminated Surfaces

Abstract

Surface fields. —Small quantities of grease, or condensed vapors, or foreign metal upon a metallic surface have in the past been the cause of many spurious electrical effects. Stuhlmann and Compton cite a spurious contact potential difference of some 60 volts. Using electron reflection and secondary emission as a tool, some of the properties of such surfaces have been investigated. The results indicate that surface fields are set up retarding the reflected electrons.