Superlattice photocathodes for accelerator-based polarized electron source applications

A major improvement in the performance of the SLC was achieved with the introduction of thin strained-layer semiconductor crystals. After some optimization, polarizations of 75-85% became standard with lifetimes that were equal to or better than that of thick unstrained crystals. Other accelerators of polarized electrons, generally operating with a much higher duty factor, have now successfully utilized similar photocathodes. For future colliders, the principal remaining problem is the limit on the total charge that can be extracted in a time scale of 10 to 100 ns. In addition, higher polarization is critical for exploring new physics, especially supersymmetry. However, it appears that strained-layer crystals have reached the limit of their optimization. Today strained superlattice crystals are the most promising candidates for better performance.