Schottky effect

(solid-state physics) The enhancement of the thermionic emission of a conductor resulting from an electric field at the conductor surface.

The enhancement of the thermionic emission of a conductor resulting from an electric field at the conductor surface. Since the thermionic emission current is given by the Richardson formula, an increase in the current at a given temperature implies a reduction in the work function of the emitter. The reduction in work function can be calculated by considering the effect of a constant externally applied field on the potential energy of an electron near the conductor surface, and is found to be proportional to the square root of the field. See also Work function (electronics).

A plot of the logarithm of the current versus the square root of the anode voltage should yield a straight line.See also Space charge.