The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 03, 1979
Filed:
Dec. 14, 1977
Charles M Tomasetti, Leola, PA (US);
Arthur F McDonie, Lancaster, PA (US);
RCA Corporation, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
In a photomultiplier tube, antimony layers of a photocathode are prepared on a nickel substrate by providing a barrier layer of aluminum oxide between the substrate and antimony layers. The photocathode is subsequently exposed to the vapors of at least one alkali metal to sensitize the antimony layers. The aluminum oxide layer prevents alloying of the nickel with the antimony at processing temperatures in the range from 260.degree. C. to 285.degree. C. and provides a source of oxygen to oxidize the photocathode for increased photosensitivity, the oxidation time being a function of the thickness of the aluminum oxide layer. The photocathode is then exposed to cesium and may be superficially oxidized until substantially maximum photosensitivity is achieved.