Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode

  • Custom sizes and standard sizes in stock
  • Quick Lead Time
  • Competitive Price
5 星级
5 星级
5 星级
5 星级
5 星级

Lanthanum hexaboride cathode is a high-performance electron emission source widely used in scientific and industrial vacuum systems. Known for its low work function, high current density, and excellent thermal stability, this cathode material enables reliable operation in applications such as electron microscopes, X-ray sources, and ion beam equipment. Its long service life and resistance to contamination make it an ideal choice for environments requiring steady, high-intensity electron output.  We can supply high-quality Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode with various specifications and competitive prices, offering customized solutions to meet specific requirements.

Or email us at sales@heegermaterials.com.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Data Sheet

Color:Purple
Chemical Formula:LaB6
Dimension Range:customized
Length Range:customized

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Description

Lanthanum hexaboride cathode is renowned for its outstanding electron emission efficiency and exceptional thermal resilience, making it indispensable in many high-vacuum electronic devices. This cathode material exhibits a low work function, which allows for high electron emission at relatively lower temperatures compared to traditional tungsten cathodes. Its robust performance in extreme conditions, including high temperatures and corrosive environments, ensures long operational lifespans and reduces the frequency of replacement. Widely used in electron microscopes, X-ray tubes, plasma sources, and ion implantation equipment, lanthanum hexaboride cathodes provide stable and consistent electron beams crucial for precision applications.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Chemical Compositions

LaB6 Purity: 99%, 99.9%, 99.9995%, B(% min.): 31%
Rare Earth ImpuritiesNon-RE Impurities
Ce<120ppmFe<250ppm
Pr<150ppmSi<100ppm
Nd<180ppmCa<90ppm
Sm<112ppmC<300ppm
Y<250ppmMg<100ppm
Ti<100ppm

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Features

  • High Electron Emission Efficiency: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode features a low work function (~2.4 eV), enabling stable and efficient electron emission at lower temperatures than traditional cathodes.
  • Excellent Thermal Stability: The lanthanum hexaboride cathode can operate continuously at temperatures above 1800 °C, ensuring durability in high-temperature vacuum environments.
  • Long Service Life: The lanthanum hexaboride cathode has a low evaporation rate and strong resistance to contamination, maintaining performance over extended periods and reducing replacement frequency.
  • Superior Chemical Resistance: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode resists oxidation and corrosion in harsh vacuum and reactive gas conditions, preserving structural integrity and emission stability.
  • Consistent Electrical Conductivity: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode provides reliable and stable current flow critical for precision electron beam and plasma generation applications.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode Applications

  • Electron Microscopes: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode is widely used in scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM) for consistent electron emission that improves imaging resolution.
  • X-ray Tubes: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode acts as a reliable electron source in X-ray generation for medical imaging, material analysis, and security inspection.
  • Plasma Generators: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode supports high-density electron beams needed in plasma generators for industrial processing and scientific research.
  • Ion Implantation Equipment: lanthanum hexaboride cathode ensures efficient ion source operation in semiconductor manufacturing and surface treatment technologies.
  • Vacuum Tubes and Electron Guns: Lanthanum hexaboride cathode is essential in devices requiring precise, high-current electron beams, such as electron beam welders, lithography systems, and particle accelerators.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Ceramic Properties

PropertyTypical Value
Density~4.7 g/cm³
Hardness (Vickers)~1600 HV
Young’s Modulus~300 GPa
Fracture Toughness~2.5 MPa·m^0.5
Flexural Strength~200 MPa

PropertyTypical Value
Melting Point~2528 °C
Thermal Conductivity~40 W/m·K
Thermal Expansion Coefficient~4.4 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Specific Heat Capacity~0.36 J/g·K
Maximum Operating Temperature~1700 °C

PropertyTypical Value
Electrical Conductivity~1.0 × 10⁵ S/m
Electrical Resistivity~10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴ Ω·m
Work Function~2.4 eV
Dielectric Constant (at 1 MHz)~10–15
Electron Emission Current Density>10 A/cm² (at 1700 K)

Lanthanum Hexaboride Ceramic Material Machining

Lanthanum Hexaboride Ceramic Material Machining-

Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB6) Ceramic is a specialized material prized for its excellent thermionic emission, high melting point, and chemical stability. These properties make it essential in electron emission applications but also pose challenges in machining due to its hardness and brittleness. Key machining considerations include:

  • Cutting: Precision diamond-coated tools or laser cutting methods are necessary to achieve clean edges while preventing microcracks and surface damage.
  • Grinding: Fine diamond grinding wheels provide the accuracy needed to maintain dimensional tolerances and surface smoothness, particularly for intricate or small components.
  • Drilling: Ultrasonic or abrasive waterjet machining techniques are often used to create precise holes and features without inducing thermal stress or cracking.
  • Surface Finishing: Polishing processes improve surface quality, reduce electron scattering, and enhance emission efficiency, which is critical for high-performance cathode applications.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Ceramic Packaging

Lanthanum hexaboride ceramic products are typically packaged in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture or contamination and wrapped with foam to cushion vibrations and impacts during transport, ensuring the quality of products in their original condition.

ceramic products packing-HM

Get A Quote

We will check and get back to you in 24 hours.

To customize your lanthanum hexaboride cathode, please provide the following details:

  1. Dimensions: Specify the diameter, length, width, height, and other parameters.
  2. Shapes: Specify the details about the shape.
  3. Purity of the material
  4. Tolerances: Specify the tolerances you can apcept.
  5. Surface Finish: polished, rough, etc.
  6. Quantity of the products you need
  7. Alternatively, you can provide a drawing with your specifications

Once we have these details, we can provide you with a quote within 24 hours.

We carry a wide variety of lanthanum hexaboride ceramic products in stock, and for these, there is generally no minimum order requirement. However, for custom orders, we typically set a minimum order value of $200. The lead time for stock items is usually 1-2 weeks, while custom orders usually take 3-4 weeks, depending on the specifics of the order.

Compared to tungsten, lanthanum hexaboride cathode has a lower work function, enabling higher electron emission at lower temperatures, longer lifespan, and greater resistance to contamination.

Absolutely. lanthanum hexaboride cathode is widely adopted in modern scanning and transmission electron microscopes for its reliable, high-intensity electron output.


Advanced Ceramic Hub, established in 2016 in Colorado, USA, is a specialized supplier and manufacturer of lanthanum hexaboride ceramic products. With extensive expertise in supply and export, we offer competitive pricing and customized solutions tailored to specific requirements, ensuring outstanding quality and customer satisfaction. As a professional provider of ceramics, refractory metals, specialty alloys, spherical powders, and various advanced materials, we serve the research, development, and large-scale industrial production needs of the scientific and industrial sectors.

Enquiry Form

类似文章