Field-emission characteristics of layered systems in high electric fields

A study has been made of the field-emission characteristics of cerium and BaO films on W within a broad range of field-emission currents and fields. An anomalous broadening of the spectra and a deviation of Fowler-Nordheim characteristics from linearity have been revealed for high (above 10⁹ A/m²) field-emission current densities. The dependence of this anomalous behavior of field-emission characteristics on the work function and topography of the surface has been investigated. Possible reasons for the observed phenomena are discussed. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 732–735 (April 1999)