Breakdown by thermal instability of a field emitter is analyzed, taking into account the temperature dependence of field emission and of resistivity. Beyond a certain temperature the emission increases while the necessary field drops. It is shown that for a whisker-like emitter this instability occurs when the emitting tip is only several hundred degrees centigrade hotter than the bulk of the cathode.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
G. E. Vibrans (1964) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: