The theory of electrostatic field ionization and implications for field electron emission theory

This conference poster presents the results of a re-derivation, using the modern International System of Quantities (i.e., mksa equations), of a formula for the rate-constant for the electrostatic field ionization (ESFI) of a hydrogen atom. This problem was first examined many years ago by Landau and Lifshitz, but their atomic units proof did not generate a formula of the kind required in modern technological contexts. More important for field electron emission (FE), the re-derivation also (a) illuminates three-dimensional aspects of the “attempt frequency” form of the rate-constant formula for tunneling processes from bound states, and (b) raises doubts as to the universal correctness of current methods of using quasi-classical (JWKB-like) methods to discuss FE from non-planar emitters.