On the surface morphology of thin alkali halide photocathode films

Thin alkali halide films are currently used as transmissive UV-photocathodes and as protecting layers for visible photocathodes. The surface morphology of 20 and 75 nm thick evaporated CsI, NaI and CsBr films was investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope, to which the samples were transferred, under vacuum, with practically no contact with air. It is shown that the film continuity, in particular that of NaI, is strongly affected by short exposure to moisture. CsI, which is the less hygroscopic material among the three, exhibits the most continuous structure.