Field electron emission area revisited: an integrated method for the areaextraction model

Abstract

For electron eld emitters, the emitter\'s physical and geometrical parameters, namely the emitter workfunction and its geometrical factor, are extracted from the slope of the Fowler{Nordheim (FN) plot. The literaturecontains few investigations and reviews of extended parameter extraction models based on the slope and intercept ofthe FN plot. However, due to the complexity of these reviews, there is a great need for an integrated approach to thearea extraction model whereby a simpli ed account of the derivation and implementation of the model is presented andmade convenient, especially for scholars other than physicists and engineers. This is precisely the aim of the presentarticle, where the standard FN equation and Schottky{Nordheim barrier functions are preserved and only measurableparameters are involved in the extraction model and the derivation of the area extraction equation. In addition, themodel is applied to experimental eld emission data from a single LaB6nanoemitter to support the discussion and toelaborate on the model\'s applicability, signi cance, and advantages.