In the total current spectroscopy experiments, this electrode is typically at a much higher potential than the surface under bombardment. As a result, low energy primary electrons may be deflected or even turned back towards the gun, rather than striking the surface. This effect can be exploited to narrow the energy distribution of primary electrons at the surface, but also has the effect of greatly reducing the current of primary electrons reaching the surface.
\end{enumerate}
In preparation for Total Current Spectroscopy experiments, the effect of each of the controllable potentials was investigated by focusing the electron gun on its original flurescent screen. However, when repurposed for total current spectroscopy, the gun needed to be refocused several times (with changing sample holder design).
In the total current spectroscopy experiments, this electrode is typically at a much higher potential than the surface under bombardment. As a result, low energy primary electrons may be deflected or even turned back towards the gun, rather than striking the surface. This effect can be exploited to narrow the energy distribution of primary electrons at the surface, but also has the effect of greatly reducing the current of primary electrons reaching the surface.
\end{enumerate}
In preparation for Total Current Spectroscopy experiments, the effect of each of the controllable potentials was investigated by focusing the electron gun on its original flurescent screen. However, when repurposed for total current spectroscopy, the gun needed to be refocused several times (with changing sample holder design).