Rapid communication Photoemission of spinpolarized electrons from strained GaAsP.

Strained layer GaAs[sub .95]P[sub .05] photo cathodes are presented, which emit electron beams spinpolarized to a degree of P = 75% typically. Quantum yields around QE = 0.4% are observed routinely. The figure of merit P² × QE = 2.3 × 10[sup -3] is comparable to that of the best strained layer cathodes reported in literature. The optimum wavelength of irradiating light around 830 nm is in convenient reach of Ti:sapphire lasers or diode lasers respectively. The cathodes are produced using MOCVD-techniques. A GaAs[sub .55]P[sub .45]GaAs[sub .85]P[sub .15] superlattice structure prevents the migration of dislocations from the substrate and bottom layers to the strained overlayer. The surface is protected by an arsenic layer so that no chemical cleaning is necessary before installation into vacuum. The source of polarized electrons attached to the Mainz race track microtron MAMI works with such cathodes now. More than 1000 hours beamtime have been performed successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]