STUDY OF ELECTRON ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND EXCHANGE IN THERMAL FIELD EMISSION

Abstract

Field emission is a distinct type of electron emission governed exclusively by quantum mechanical effects, notably the tunneling of electrons through a potential barrier into a vacuum. This phenomenon occurs under the influence of intense electric fields, which sufficiently lower the potential barrier at the metal-vacuum interface, allowing electrons to escape from the solid into the vacuum. In this work, we investigate electron emission from the cathode under the combined effects of a strong electric field and elevated temperatures within a vacuum arc. The current density of the emitted electrons was calculated, providing insight into the emission characteristics under these extreme conditions. Additionally, the Nottingham effect is considered, wherein electron emission may result in either heating or cooling of the cathode. This outcome depends on the inversion temperature and the energy balance between the emitted and replacement electrons. The energy exchange associated with this process in a vacuum arc can lead to high-localized energy transfer rates, presenting potential applications in direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the material’s work function on the emission process. Our findings reveal that even small variations in the work function significantly affect the emission behavior. Such changes can result in the melting and evaporation of the cathodic and/or anodic material, thereby supplying the necessary material for sustained current transport.