Nanocluster-induced quantum photoyield of metal alloy systems

In order to find the origin of photoemission and increase the low quantum yield (QY) suitable metals such as magnesium and aluminium, a correlation between the QY in the UV-spectrum range and the electron density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level is considered for light metal alloy systems by using the data of UV-photoelectron spectroscopy, volume paramagnetic susceptibility, and HRTEM studies. The spectral responses of the photoyield for the HCP Mg–Ba alloys are proven to be in agreement with Fowler’s law for a near-free-electron model. The Mg₁₆Ba₂ bimetallic nanocluster-induced distribution of the DOS, calculated by the ab initio FLAPW method near the Fermi level closely resembles that obtained by the UV-photoelectron spectroscopy in the bulk Mg–2% Ba alloy. It means that a substantial increase in the DOS near the Fermi level is caused by the electron structure of the cluster to be formed. These metallic-like nanoclusters of 8 nm in diameter embedded in the bulk of extended solid solution crystals act as new and much more efficient photoemission centers and insure a drastic increase in the QY of the massive magnesium photocathode by several orders of magnitude. The new approach is applicable to similar metal alloy systems such as the FCC Al–Li, Ba as regards their treatment on the basis of the physical principles of small-scale alloying with emission-active and cluster-forming additives.