T-F Theory of Electron Emission in High-Current Arcs

Abstract

Electron emission as a function of electric field, temperature, and work function has been calculated numerically on a digital computer over wide ranges of these variables. The results are then combined with the space‐charge equation to show that electron emission from the cathode of a high‐current arc on low boiling point materials like copper and silver can be explained by the T‐F mechanism. It is also shown that the positive ion current density required by the electron emission condition is of the right magnitude to satisfy the energy balance condition at the cathode.