Quantum efficiency of gold photocathodes (2–8 keV) and EXAFS in its secondary electron yield and in the detection currents of a microchannel plate and a silicon surface barrier detector

The quantum efficiency of gold photocathodes has been investigated by using synchrotron radiation from 2–8 keV; in particular its detailed structure near the M absorption edge region is obtained. The secondary electron conversion efficiency of gold has been calculated by using the mass absorption coefficient given by a relativistic Hartree-Slater model and by the semiempirical values of Henke et al., respectively. These data are compared with the published data at some discrete energies, and we add several new data points, especially for the gold M edge region (2–4 keV). X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been observed in the secondary electron current of the gold photocathode as well as in the detection current responses of a microchannel plate and a silicon surface barrier detector.