T-F Theory of Electron Emission in High-Current Arcs

Electron emission as a function of electric field, temperature, and work function has been calculated numerically on a digital computer over wide ranges of these variables. The results are then combined with the space-charge equation to show that electron emission from the cathode of a high-current arc on low boiling point materials like copper and silver can be explained by the T-F mechanism. It is also shown that the positive ion current density required by the electron emission condition is of the right magnitude to satisfy the energy balance condition at the cathode.