Surface effects on the low-energy cathodoluminescence of zinc oxide

A rapid initial brightness slump and occasional subsequent recovery observed for the zinc-doped zinc oxide phosphor undergoing cathodoluminescence is shown to depend on the surface work function. A quantitative model leads to an explanation of the dependence on surface potential in terms of field-aided or retarded surface recombination. Evidence is given that temporarily recovered surfaces result from dynamic surface adsorption of barium.