Experimental results on a new CsBr/GaN heterojunction photocathode structure are presented. The results indicate a fourfold improvement in photoyield relative to CsBr/Cr photocathodes. A model is presented based on intraband states in CsBr and electron injection from the GaN (with 1% addition of indium) substrate to explain the observed photoyield enhancement. The photocathode lifetime at high current density (>40 A/cm(2)) is limited by laser heating of the small illuminated area. Calculations are presented for sapphire and diamond substrates, indicating a factor of 20 reduction in temperature for the latter. The results are encouraging for the realization of a high photoyield photocathode operating at high current density with long lifetime. (c) 2007 American Vacuum Society.