Thermionic emission provides electron beams. The electron beam current (density) is given by the Richardson equation: |
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Atheo = 120 A · cm–2 · K–2
for free electron gas model Aexp » (20 - 160) A · cm–2 · K–2 |
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EA = work function » (2 - >6) eV | ||||||||||||
Materials of choice: W, LaB6 single crystal | ||||||||||||
High field effects (tunneling, barrier lowering) allow large currents at low T from small (nm) size emitter | Needs UHV! | |||||||||||
There are several thermoelectric effects for metal junctions; always encountered in non-equilibrium. | ||||||||||||
Seebeck effect:
Thermovoltage develops if a metal A-metal B junction is at a temperature different form the "rest", i.e. if there is a temperature gradeient |
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Peltier effect: Electrical current I through a metal - metal (or metal - semiconductor) junction induces a temperature gradient µ I, i.e. one of the junction may "cool down". |
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© H. Föll (Advanced Materials B, part 1 - script)