Field emission is the process where electrons are emitted from a material surface due to the presence of a strong electric field, overcoming the work function barrier without the need for thermal energy. This quantum mechanical phenomenon is crucial in technologies like electron microscopes and vacuum electronic devices, where precise control of electron flow is required.

Field Emission

Field emission

Electrons emitted from a material surface

strong electric field

work function barrier

Thermal energy is the internal energy present in a system due to the random motions of its particles, often associated with temperature and heat transfer. It plays a crucial role in thermodynamics, influencing how energy is transferred and transformed in physical processes.

thermal energy

quantum mechanical phenomenon

electron microscopes

vacuum electronic devices

precise control of electron flow

Electron Emission from Surfaces

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