Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Description

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode(LaB6 cathode, also called lanthanum boride cathode and LaB6 cathode) is an inorganic chemical. With a melting point of 2528 K, LaB6 cathode is a refractory ceramic material, which is insoluble in water or hydrochloric acid and very stable in a vacuum. LaB6 cathode Stoichiometric samples are colored intensely purple-violet, while boron-rich ones (above LaB6.07) are blue. Ion bombardment changes its color from purple to emerald green. LaB6 cathode is a superconductor with a relatively low transition temperature of 0.45 K.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Specification

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Applications

* Thermionic emission (cathode)
* Plasma source for plasma enhanced coating(PECVD)
* Vacuum electron beam welding machine
* Electron beam surface reforming device
* Electron beam lithography device
* Transmission electron microscope
* Scanning electron microscope
* Surface analysis device
* Radiotherapy devices

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Packing

SAMs’ LaB6 cathode is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition.

Prototyping service is also available for other ceramics material

Alumina

Aluminum Nitride

Boron Nitride

Silicon Carbide

Silicon Nitride

Zirconia

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What is Lanthanum Hexaboride Electrode

FAQs

1. What are LaB₆ cathodes used for?

Electron sources in Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM).

X-ray tubes, electron beam welders, vacuum electronic devices, and ion guns.

High-brightness and long-life applications in research and industrial vacuum systems.

2. Handling and Storage

Avoid moisture: LaB₆ can oxidize slowly in humid air.

Store in dry or inert gas/vacuum packaging.

Do not touch the emitting surface — oil or dirt reduces emission performance.

Handle gently: material is hard but brittle.

Use only in high or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions for best lifetime.

3. Customization Information

Shapes: Rods, conical tips, flat cathodes, disks.

Diameter: 0.5 mm – 10 mm typical (custom sizes available).

Length: Up to 50 mm or per design.

Purity: 99.5% – 99.9% LaB₆.

Options: Machined mounting holes, metal holders, and complete cathode assemblies.