Electron emission at superhigh current densities

A self-consistent theory of phenomena occurring under passage of superhigh current densities through the surface-plasma interface is proposed. The electric field penetration into a conductor, processes near the plasma-surface interface, neutralization of spatial emission electron charge by ions have been considered. It has been found out that a “gap” in the cathode drop inside the conductor occurs at high emission current density; this phenomenon causes, in this turn, distortion of the Fermi surface and a reduction in the work function. As a result, the conditions for superhigh electron emission density are realized. Thus the current passage through the conductor-plasma interface acquires a self-organizing nature. An estimate of the critical current, beginning from which the electron emission selforganization emerges, is given