A Note on Wooldridge's Theory of Secondary Emission

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Abstract
A re-examination of Wooldridge's theory shows that the broad maximum which he obtained in the curve of secondary emission coefficient against primary energy is a result of an inconsistency in approximations, rather than an essential result of his theory. In deriving an expression for the emission coefficient from the rate of excitation of valence electrons, an estimate was needed of the probability that a typical secondary would travel in a direction favorable for emission. In making this estimate, Wooldridge neglected the momentum received from the primary, which is small compared to that received from the lattice. The present calculation shows, however, that this neglected momentum is of just the right magnitude to eliminate or drastically modify the broad maximum obtained in the emission curve.

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