Emission Processes in Ionic Crystals under the Synergetic Effect of Thermal and Electrical Fields

Abstract

It is shown that the synergetic effect heating and an electrical field have on ionic crystals leads to the emission of matrix ions from the free surface of a crystal. Some fundamental patterns of emission are established, and the work function of ions of different signs is experimentally determined. The creation of emission current between the surfaces of a crack results in microplastic shears on the bombarded surface, reducing the work function of ions. The work function of ions is in this case also estimated.