The Slope of Logarithmic Plots of the Fowler-Nordheim Equation

Abstract

The slope of logarithmic plots of the Fowler-Nordheim equation for electron field emission is expressed in terms of the surface work-function and a tabulated function, $s(y)$. This new function, $s(y)$, is derived from Nordheim's $v(y)$ which appears in the exponent of the Fowler-Nordheim equation. Values of $v(y)$ are also tabulated and are believed to be more exact than Nordheim's original values.