EVIDENCE FOR THERMIONIC EMISSION FROM SMALL AGGREGATES

C.E. Klots and R.N. Compton
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C.E. Klots: Chemical Physics Section, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6125, USA
R.N. Compton: Chemical Physics Section, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6125, USA

Surface Review and Letters (SRL), 1996, vol. 03, issue 01, 535-540

Abstract: The delayed emission of electrons from small isolated aggregates has been reported now by several laboratories. When the emission is from a negative ion, it can plausibly be identified with the vibrational autoionization which has been known for many years from ions such as${\rm SF}_6^-$. Whether delayed emission from neutral species should be called “thermionic” is more problematic. Do these aggregates sample all of the available phase space prior to emission? We examine the experimental evidence which bears on this question. Particular reference is made to studies of “metallic” aggregates and of caged carbon clusters. Tantalizing evidence for the thermionic paradigm is noted, although recent experiments with niobium clusters can only be understood by postulating that they have unusual thermodynamic properties. Finally, Schottky’s expression for the effect of an externally applied electric field on a work function is extended to aggregates of arbitrary size.

Date: 1996
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DOI: 10.1142/S0218625X96000978

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