Electron emission at superhigh current densities

A self-consistent theory of phenomena occurring under passage of superhigh current densities through the surface-plasma interface is proposed. The electric field penetration into a conductor, processes near the plasma-surface interface, neutralization of spatial emission electron charge by ions have...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nastoyashchii, A.F., Morozov, I.N., Rodionov, N.B.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Cathodes
Clouds
Conductors
Critical current
Current density
Electromagnetic fields
Electron emission
Physics
Plasma density
Thermal conductivity
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Summary:A self-consistent theory of phenomena occurring under passage of superhigh current densities through the surface-plasma interface is proposed. The electric field penetration into a conductor, processes near the plasma-surface interface, neutralization of spatial emission electron charge by ions have been considered. It has been found out that a "gap" in the cathode drop inside the conductor occurs at high emission current density; this phenomenon causes, in this turn, distortion of the Fermi surface and a reduction in the work function. As a result, the conditions for superhigh electron emission density are realized. Thus the current passage through the conductor-plasma interface acquires a self-organizing nature. An estimate of the critical current, beginning from which the electron emission selforganization emerges, is given.
DOI:10.1109/DEIV.1996.545467