Quantum efficiency of technical metal photocathodes under laser irradiation of various wavelengths

Quantum efficiency studies for various laser wavelengths and various technical metal surfaces were carried out in a dedicated unbaked vacuum chamber in the absence of a significant electrical field. Copper, magnesium, aluminum, and aluminum–lithium photocathodes were irradiated by two different high power, high repetition rate, laser systems. We have observed an emission of electrons for photon energies below the work function of the material. This is explained by multiple photon absorption by the photocathode. We have not observed any degradation of the QE for these materials, but an improvement when irradiating them over a long period of time. This is contrary to observations made in RF photoguns.