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Photocathodes were at the heart of quantum physics development in the early twentieth century and are still used in high technology devices like nightvision goggles, photomultiplier tubes, and particle accelerators. The simplest form of the photocathode is ametallic surface, negatively biased, from which electrons are extracted by energetic photons. After a brief description of the photocathode preparation, this chapter will present the latest developments and limitations of metallic and semiconductor photocathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]