Abstract
We have investigated the field emission and field ionization in liquid3He 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 is 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 of4He, and the advantages of this type of ion source for use in3He at ultra-low temperatures are discussed.
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Work supported by the Science Research Council under contract BSR9251.
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McClintock, P.V.E. Field emission and field ionization in liquid3He above 0.25 K. J Low Temp Phys 11, 15–31 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00655034
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00655034