Theory of Secondary Emission

Abstract

The production of secondary emission by the interaction of bombarding electrons with the valence electrons of a metal target is quantum-mechanically treated. When the results are modified by considerations having to do with the relative rates of absorption of the primary and secondary particles, yield-vs.-bombarding energy curves are obtained which approximate the results of experiment. The primary voltage required for maximum yield, the effect of work function on the emission, and the energy range of the secondary particles are semi-quantitatively derived in terms of the properties of the target material.