Reserch of the Factors Determining Durability of Cold LaB<sub>6</sub>-cathodes
The change of the structure of cold LaB<sub>6</sub> 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 LaB<sub>6</sub> particles and the formation of the cathode in the form of a continuous thin film of functional matter on the surface.