Electron emission from a liquid metal

Abstract

A repetitive pulsed electron-emission mode has been observed from a liquid Ga/12% In cathode. Current pulses as high as 250 A with a 2- to 3-nsec rise time have been observed at a repetition rate of 40 to 80 000 pps. Emission occurs from the apex of a field-stabilized cone of the liquid metal which exhibits an incandescent glow corresponding to a temperature rise of ∼1000 °C. A field-emission-initiated explosive-emission process is proposed which involves the formation of a plasma via the volatilization of a small portion of the cone apex.