Call for experimental test of a revised mathematical form for empirical field emission current-voltage characteristics

Abstract

There are now good theoretical reasons to believe that experimental current-voltage (i-V) relationships for cold field electron emission (CFE) should approximately obey the empirical law i=C Vκ exp (-BV), where B, C, and κ are effectively constant, and κ2. Since -d ln id (1V) = (V2 i) didV=B+κV, κ for a given emission situation could be experimentally established from an appropriate data plot if sufficiently accurate current-voltage measurements were available. Knowledge of experimental κ values could lead to greater physical understanding of CFE and variations as between materials. It is strongly urged that the feasibility of measurements of this kind be carefully explored. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.