What is an Emitter (Cathode, Thermionic Cathode)?

Emitter (Cathode, Thermionic Cathode)

Material: Tungsten, Tantalum, Molybdenum, etc.

When a material is heated, some electrons within the material gain thermal energy and are emitted from its surface. These emitted electrons are called thermionic electrons, and the component serving as their source is referred to as an Emitter, Cathode, or Thermionic Cathode.

The ease of thermionic electron emission varies depending on the material used as the emitter. This property is expressed as the Work Function (Φ) [eV].

Although molybdenum and tantalum have lower work functions, molybdenum’s relatively low melting point and tantalum’s reduced thermal strength at high temperatures make tungsten the preferred material. Tungsten is widely used due to its high melting point and excellent thermal durability.

At Creative Technology, we specialize in manufacturing a wide variety of emitter components, supplying them directly to equipment and device manufacturers both domestically and internationally.