Abstract
Factors affecting the current-voltage characteristics of liquid metal ion sources are reviewed. The results demonstrate that ion emission is not controlled by space-charge effects but rather is determined by liquid flow limitations along the needle emitter. A hydrodynamic model is presented which predicts the experimental I-V characteristics. The model suggests that a reduction in the energy spread (Boersch Effect) of the emitted ions may be achieved by increasing the needle flow impedance.

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