0181499 - UFCH-W 20020237 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Plšek, Jan - Knor, Zlatko
The "Average" Work Function and Emission Area in the Fowler-Nordheim Equation.
Czechoslovak Journal of Physics. Roč. 52, č. 12 (2002), s. 1335-1348. ISSN 0011-4626
R&D Projects: GA ČR GV202/98/K002; GA ČR GA202/02/0618
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z4040901
Keywords : field emission * work function * emission area
Subject RIV: CF - Physical ; Theoretical Chemistry
Impact factor: 0.311, year: 2002

Derivation of the elementary Fowler-Nordheim equation is based on several strong physical assumptions (e.g. smooth fiat surface and uniform work function across emitting surface, constant emission area and a uniform distribution of the applied field over it). A real emitter, however does not fulfill these assumptions. In spite of it the total emission current follows the FN equation and is frequently used for an estimation of the "average" work-function. The physical basis of this procedure and of terms "averageů work function and "emission area" are analyzed from the experimentalist''s point of view. Thus some of the older - more or less intuitive - conclusions are substantiated.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0001895