Abstract
The equation for thermionic emission from hot cathodes in the presence of a low-temperature plasma is discussed. The distribution function is obtained for the magnitude of the electric field intensity at the surface of the cathode, taking account of the effect of the individual fields of the various ions moving in the near-cathode layer. The thermionic flux density due to fluctuations of the field is found to be significantly higher than that calculated by Richardson's formula with Schottky's correction.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
I. N. Ostretsov, v. A. Petrosov, A. A. Porotnikov, and Yu. A. Utkin, “The effect of microfield fluctuations on the emission characteristics of hot cathodes,” Teplofiz. Vys. Temp.,11, No. 6 (1971).
S. Chandrasekar, Stochastic Problems in Physics and Astronomy [Russian translation], Izd. IL (1947).
R. P. Little and S. T. Smith, Electrical Breakdown in Vacuum, IEEE Trans., Ser. ED, Vol. 12, No. 2 (1965).
P. Kisliuk, “Electron emission at high fields due to positive ions,” J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 30, No. 1 (1959).
G. A. Tyagunov, Electrovacuum and Semiconductor Instruments [in Russian], Gosénergoizdat, Moscow-Leningrad (1962).
G. Ecker, “Electrode components of an arc discharge,” Ergebn. exakt. Naturwiss., Vol. 33, pp. 1–104.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, No. 3, pp. 40–45, May–June, 1972.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ostretsov, I.N., Petrosov, V.A., Porotnikov, A.A. et al. Equation for thermionic emission in a plasma. J Appl Mech Tech Phys 13, 296–300 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00850418
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00850418