Further Studies on Using the AHFP Exponent to Choose Between Alternative Field Emission Theories

Abstract

The general background to this research is set out in [1], [2]. It is based on the idea that an experimentally measured value of the so-called “AHFP exponent” kmight be used to choose between alternative theories of field electron emission (FE), in the first instance between 1928/29 Fowler-Nordheim (FN) FE theory and 1956 Murphy-Good (MG) FE theory. Amongst several factors that influence predicted theoretical ranges for x-values are the shape and local work function of a point-like or post-like field emitter. Our earlier work [1] explored a limited range of these parameters, but the overall conclusion was that the only x-value (1.63) considered adequately reliable did not yield a decisive result. As discussed in detail in this presentation, we have now explored a wider range of these parameters, but the outcome is still not a decisive result. Implications are discussed in a separate presentation [2].