Liquid-metal ion source theory: electrohydrodynamics and emitter shape

Abstract

The shape of an operating liquid-metal ion source (LMIS) influences its emission properties, and also enters into numerical models of behaviour. The associated physics is not fully established, and is of interest in other contexts. This paper presents a brief survey of those aspects of LMIS theory and electrohydrodynamics particularly relevant to emitter shape, and shows the need for a better understanding of the source's ion-emitting liquid tip. © 1992.