Kevin L. Jensen - Böcker

Electron-emissive materials are poised to improve device performance when physical size, weight, power consumption, beam current, and/or high pulse repetition frequencies are an important issue for competitive performance. Cold cathodes offer potential property improvements over conventional thermionic sources - instant on/off performance, high brightness, high-current density, large transconductance-to-capacitance ratio, or low-voltage operation characteristics. Many extraordinary technologies are developing, some well known, and some new to the electron sources scene. Flat-panel displays are undoubtedly the largest commercial endeavor to which cold cathode source technology is being directed. Advanced microwave power tubes are one of the most technically challenging applications pursued. Other important applications with considerable impact include electron sources for micropropulsion systems and tethers for satellites. Small and stable sources are needed for multibeam lithography, electron microscopes, and other high-tech tools and applications. This book contains papers from two symposia held during the 2000 MRS Spring Meeting in San Francisco, all brought together to provide a single comprehensive profile of this dynamic and still advancing field.

A practical, in-depth description of the physics behind electron emission physics and its usage in science and technologyElectron emission is both a fundamental phenomenon and an enabling component that lies at the very heart of modern science and technology. Written by a recognized authority in the field, with expertise in both electron emission physics and electron beam physics, An Introduction to Electron Emission provides an in-depth look at the physics behind thermal, field, photo, and secondary electron emission mechanisms, how that physics affects the beams that result through space charge and emittance growth, and explores the physics behind their utilization in an array of applications.The book addresses mathematical and numerical methods underlying electron emission, describing where the equations originated, how they are related, and how they may be correctly used to model actual sources for devices using electron beams. Writing for the beam physics and solid state communities, the author explores applications of electron emission methodology to solid state, statistical, and quantum mechanical ideas and concepts related to simulations of electron beams to condensed matter, solid state and fabrication communities. Provides an extensive description of the physics behind four electron emission mechanisms—field, photo, and secondary, and how that physics relates to factors such as space charge and emittance that affect electron beams.Introduces readers to mathematical and numerical methods, their origins, and how they may be correctly used to model actual sources for devices using electron beamsDemonstrates applications of electron methodology as well as quantum mechanical concepts related to simulations of electron beams to solid state design and manufactureDesigned to function as both a graduate-level text and a reference for research professionalsIntroduction to the Physics of Electron Emission is a valuable learning tool for postgraduates studying quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, solid state physics, electron transport, and beam physics. It is also an indispensable resource for academic researchers and professionals who use electron sources, model electron emission, develop cathode technologies, or utilize electron beams.