Analysis of cathode emission phenomena: Effects of barrier thinning, field enhancements and local heating

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Abstract

Intense electron emission from cathodes that provide very high current densities (several kA/cm2) is necessary for a various pulsed power applications. This contribution presents a quantitative analyses of the following processes and inherent physics: (a) Local field enhancements at micro-protrusions, (b) role of ion/ions near the emitting surface in lowering and thinning the potential barrier which increases emission. (c) localized heating at cathode tips that could produce hot-electrons and hot-phonons, ultimately leading to localized melting. Temperatures are predicted to possibly reach the cathode melting point on the nanosecond time scales. This is in keeping with the explosive emission phenomenon that is well known.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781479984039
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 12 2015
EventIEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2015 - Austin, United States
Duration: May 31 2015Jun 4 2015

Publication series

NameDigest of Technical Papers-IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference
Volume2015-October

Conference

ConferenceIEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin
Period05/31/1506/4/15

Keywords

  • Cathodes
  • Electric fields
  • Electron emission
  • Heating
  • Metals
  • Phonons
  • Tunneling

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