Simplified Fowler-Nordheim Equation, the backbone of my thesis.
ln (I/V²) = ln ? - ?(1/V)
where:
? =1.56E-6 * (Aß²)/(d²F)
? = 6.87E9 * (d*F^1.5)/ß
I = Measured Current (mA)
V = Applied voltage (V)
A = Emitting area (cm²)
ß = Field Enhancement Factor = E*d/V
E = Electrical Field (V/cm)
d = Distance (m) between anode and cathode
F = Work function of the emitter
If the plot I/V² vs. 1/V yields a straight line with negative slope, the electrons traverse the vacuum between anode and cathode by quantum tunneling; also known as Fowler-Nordheim emission.