Arthur is currently working to characterize a new thermionic cathode based on providing  nanometer particles
of scandia on the surface. This design has been shown to exhibit a continuous cathode current density greater
than prior barium oxide/aluminate based dispenser cathodes.  He is measuring the change in shot-noise that
occurs in the region where a cathode moves from space charge limited flow to temperature limited flow.  
In this region some parts of the cathode surface are space charge limited and other parts temperature 
limited. The effect of space charge in substantially reducing the shot noise from the space charge limited 
regions enables the work function distribution over this nanostructured surface to be estimated.  He is 
working under Professor Ivor Brodie and Mr. Bernie Vancil of E-Beam Incorporated with guidance and 
lab resources managed by Professor Charles Hunt.