The maximum H/sup -/ flux from a netatively biased converter cathode occurs at the work function minimum. A cesiated hydrogen plasma produces a partially-cesiated surface at the converter. The cesium coverage can be be controlled by the cesium partial pressure, the bias on the converter and the plasma density, while the work function of the converter surface is measured by the photo-electric effect, using a bright light source and a series of filters. The angular dependence is measured by rotating the converter.