Potential Distribution between two Plane Emitting Electrodes

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper gives the derivation of expressions for the space charge and potential distribution between two plane parallel emitting electrodes. Numerical calculations are carried out for the case when an external potential difference φext is applied between the electrodes, both being at the same temperature T. It is shown that all possible potential distributions can be represented by a single family of curves, the parameter of the family being.A=(—eφext/kT). Thus for a given φext the same general curve of potential distribution applies, whatever the values of the electrode work functions. Changing the work functions merely shifts the end points of the potential distribution along the curve.