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Field emission and field ionization in liquid 3He above 0.25 K.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>04/1973
<mark>Journal</mark>Journal of Low Temperature Physics
Issue number1/2
Volume11
Number of pages17
Pages (from-to)15-31
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

We have investigated the field emission and field ionization in liquid 3He under low pressure between 0.25 and 2.0 K. Experimental data in the high-current regime are strongly affected by the buildup of temperature gradients, but this effect can be avoided by pulsing the emitter. Under pulsed conditions in the space-charge region the data are well described by a simple theory which does not require detailed knowledge of the generating mechanism. Data at low currents, which are completely different for positive and negative ions, are presented and discussed but are not understood in detail. Comparison is drawn between this work and earlier studies of 4He, and the advantages of this type of ion source for use in 3He at ultra-low temperatures are discussed.