Reserch of the Factors Determining Durability of Cold LaB<sub>6</sub>-cathodes
The change of the structure of cold LaB6 cathode surface layers during ion bombardment has been investigated. Data about the change of the emissive capacity of the cathode and also a surface photo in secondary electrons have been obtained. It was discovered that together with the removal of a glass from the emissive layer surface and the vaporization of lanthanum at high current density pulsed ion bombardment, there is a melting of LaB6 particles and the formation of the cathode in the form of a continuous thin film of functional matter on the surface.