Phänomenologische Betrachtung zur Photon-Elektron-Wechselwirkung in einem Plasma

Abstract

The question at stake is, whether a simple physical connection may be found between Richardson equation for thermionic emission on the one hand, and Richardson equation for photoelectric emission on the other hand. The proposition of such a connection is based on the following supposition: that electrons are not only elements of a (Fermi-Dirac-) statistical ensemble and, as such, cause thermionic phenomena; but that they can also interact with a radiation field, thereby causing an additional emission current, according to Richardson (photoelectric) equation. — It is shown in detail that the current emitted from a metal of 2000 °K is determined by the complete radiation of this metal only to a very slight degree. It is then estimated however, that within temperatures of some million degrees Kelvin the excitation of electrons caused by complete radiation will be much greater than that caused by interaction.