What is Thermionic Emission?

Encyclopedia
07/23/2024


What is Thermionic Emission?


Thermionic Emission Definition


Thermionic emission is the release of electrons from a heated material due to thermal energy overcoming the work function of the material.



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Work Function


The work function is the minimum energy needed to release an electron from a material, varying across different substances.


 

Measurement


Thermionic emission is measured using thermionic current, which can be calculated with the Richardson-Dushman equation.


 

 

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  • J is the thermionic current density (in A/m<sup>2</sup>), which is the current per unit area of the cathode

  • A is the Richardson constant (in A/m<sup>2</sup>K<sup>2</sup>), which depends on the type of material

  • T is the absolute temperature (in K) of the cathode

  • ϕ is the work function (in eV) of the cathode

  • K is the Boltzmann constant (in eV/K), which is equal to 8.617 x 10<sup>-5</sup eV), and T is the absolute temperature (in K) of the cathode.


 

Types of Emitters


Common types of thermionic emitters are tungsten, thoriated tungsten, and oxide-coated emitters, each suited for different applications.


 

Applications of Thermionic Emission


Thermionic emission is used in devices such as vacuum tubes, cathode-ray tubes, electron microscopes, and X-ray tubes.



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