Electron emission from a liquid metal

Abstract
A repetitive pulsed electron‐emission mode has been observed from a liquid Ga/12% In cathode. Current pulses as high as 250 A with a 2‐ to 3‐nsec rise time have been observed at a repetition rate of 40 to 80 000 pps. Emission occurs from the apex of a field‐stabilized cone of the liquid metal which exhibits an incandescent glow corresponding to a temperature rise of ∼1000 °C. A field‐emission‐initiated explosive‐emission process is proposed which involves the formation of a plasma via the volatilization of a small portion of the cone apex.

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