The Temperature Dependence of Field Currents

Abstract

The increase in the field current observed by Millikan and Eyring to take place at about 1000°K is shown to be of the order of magnitude of the thermionic emission to be expected from a thoriated filament at this temperature. The author considers that the results of Millikan and Lauritsen are inconclusive and do not definitely establish the existence of a dependence of field currents upon temperature. The author has carried out new experiments using an improved method of investigation and has been unable to detect any temperature variation in the field current. His contention is not that no temperature variation exists but that no real variation has yet been observed.