35th International Field Emission Symposium / 35éme Symposium International d'Emission de Champ
J. Phys. Colloques 49 (1988) C6-125-C6-130
DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1988621
PROPERTIES OF DC MODE FIELD EMISSION OF ELECTRONS FROM LIQUID LITHIUM CATHODE
K. HATA, S. NISHIGAKI, M. INOUE et T. NODAToyohashi University of Technology, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi 440, Japan
Abstract
By reversing the polarity of extraction voltage for a liquid metal ion source, we measured I-V characteristics and observed emission patterns of field-emitted electrons. The Fowler-Nordheim plot of emissions from cleaned liquid surface did not fit a straight line. Emission patterns showed stable protrusions formed on the emitter tip. In order to study application feasibility of this electron source, further experiment was made by measuring the angular current density dI/dΩ and detecting SEM images.