Mechanical defects and exoelectron emission from alpha alumina single crystals
Résumé
Thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE) from a alumina single crystals is studied. Polished as well as stamped surfaces present almost identical TSEE effects. Nevertheless a special peak at 440°C appears in the glow curve of stamped samples only. Microscopical observations provide evidence of a relation between the appearance of this peak and fragmentation or crack propagation around the marks made on the surface.