Reconsidering thermionic emission mechanism quantum mechanically

Summary form only given. In this work, we reconsider the thermionic emission quantum-mechanically. It is found that a quantum correction factor should be introduced. The expression form has been obtained analytically and calculated numerically over a wide range of work functions and temperatures. The results show that the missing quantum correction factor gives a good reason for the discrepancy between theoretical values and experimental data. The calculated quantum correction factor nearly ranges from 0.2 to 0.5, depending on the work function and the operating temperature of the cathode materials. Detailed analysis of this quantum treatment of thermionic emission is presented.