Title :
A self-consistent model of electron emission from metals
Author :
Barengolts, S.A. ; Litvinov, E.A. ; Suvorov, V.G.
Author_Institution :
Gen. Phys. Inst., Moscow, Russia
fDate :
8/1/1999 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We present a model of electron emission from metals, which takes into account deviation of the electron distribution function from the Fermi equilibrium form inside the cathode under the emission effect. Using the Grad method electron distribution function, the emission boundary is expressed consecutively in terms of its hydrodynamic moments: temperature, average velocity, heat flux density. These hydrodynamic moments are caused by the emission itself and thus need a self-consistent determination. New easy-to-use equations for the emission current density, emission heat flux, and total energy distribution function of the emitted electrons are proposed. Consideration was made for a wide range of temperatures (⩽3500 K), field strengths (⩽1.5×108 V/cm) and work function (3.0 to 4.5 eV) of the emitter. A considerable deviation from the Fowler-Nordheim (FN) theory was found at high current density (>10 9 A/cm2)
Keywords :
Fermi level; cathodes; current density; electron field emission; work function; Fermi equilibrium form; Grad method; average velocity; electron distribution function; electron emission; emission boundary; emission current density; emission heat flux; field strengths; heat flux density; hydrodynamic moments; self-consistent model; total energy distribution function; work function; Anisotropic magnetoresistance; Cathodes; Current density; Distribution functions; Electron emission; Equations; Hydrodynamics; Physics; Temperature dependence; Temperature distribution;
Journal_Title :
Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on