Drift Velocity in a Vaccum Diode

In summary, the drift velocity equation is applicable to conduction in a vacuum tube, but it's not clear how the current stays saturated.
  • #1
rollingstein
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Is the standard equation for drift velocity of electrons also applicable to conduction in, say, a vacuum tube?

00d6a1a173e7d76cacefb8fc334af740.png


I assume it is, and if so what is the relation between the drift velocities at the interface of vacuum-metal at the anode of a vacuum diode? The current, electronic charge and Area remain the same so I suppose it is only the ratio of the carrier density? (Let's assume we are operating the diode in its saturation current region)

The conductor density in a metal is fixed (say, 8.5×1028 electrons per m³ for Copper) but what determines the density in the vacuum (again, in the saturation region)?

Beyond saturation, even on a bias voltage increase the current remains the same. The explanations I've read say this is because all the electrons emitted by thermionic emission have been used up. But wouldn't it be possible to increase current via an increase in their drift velocity? Wouldn't increasing voltage increase the field thereby accelerating electrons ultimately increasing drift velocities?

Why does current saturate then?
 
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  • #2
rollingstein said:
But wouldn't it be possible to increase current via an increase in their drift velocity? Wouldn't increasing voltage increase the field thereby accelerating electrons ultimately increasing drift velocities?

That argument doesn't work. If the cathode can only produce a certain number of electrons per second, that is the limit to the current. Making them go faster will (after the steady sate has been reached) just mean they hit the anode with higher energy (i.e. more Power in and out)
 
  • #3
sophiecentaur said:
That argument doesn't work. If the cathode can only produce a certain number of electrons per second, that is the limit to the current. Making them go faster will (after the steady sate has been reached) just mean they hit the anode with higher energy (i.e. more Power in and out)

Thanks! But how does that tie in with this equation?

00d6a1a173e7d76cacefb8fc334af740.png


The current seems proportional to velocity?

Higher energy, like you said they would have, is Kinetic Energy, I assume? If so the velocity increases? Increasing current by the equation above? What gives?

Of course, experiment tells you are right, I'm only trying to round off my understanding!
 
  • #4
I do see what you mean though. In a I = Q/t sense if the Q/t reaches its limit I cannot increase any more.

I just cannot see the consistency with the drift velocity equation.
 
  • #5
Here's why. If they move faster. There is more space between them so the density goes down accordingly.
Simples.
 
  • #6
sophiecentaur said:
Here's why. If they move faster. There is more space between them so the density goes down accordingly.
Simples.

Makes sense! Thanks.

So till the saturation point density remains fairly constant, only velocity rises? Or is it some combination of both factors.
 
  • #7
sophiecentaur said:
Here's why. If they move faster. There is more space between them so the density goes down accordingly.
Simples.


The other mystery is why does compensation happen in a way that keeps velocity x density constant?

Otherwise current wouldn't stay saturated?
 
  • #8
Space between electrons is proportional to speed- all the time, with a lower limit set by the mutual repulsion, I guess.
 
  • #9
One of the effects we see (in microelectronic engineering) with high density ion currents in vacuum and low energy is beam "blowup" due to space charge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_charge
http://www.casetechnology.com/implanter/neutral.html
 
  • #10
nsaspook said:
One of the effects we see (in microelectronic engineering) with high density ion currents in vacuum and low energy is beam "blowup" due to space charge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_charge
http://www.casetechnology.com/implanter/neutral.html

And hence the need to focus the beam in CRTs and other electron beam devices. In a diode, however, it's a bit harder to foresee what'll happen because the cathode is often along the axis of a cylindrical anode. Perhaps the electrons are 'squished' out of the ends of the cylinder due to the repulsion when low HT is used. It's been so long since I used a thermionic diode. . . .
 
  • #11
sophiecentaur said:
And hence the need to focus the beam in CRTs and other electron beam devices. In a diode, however, it's a bit harder to foresee what'll happen because the cathode is often along the axis of a cylindrical anode. Perhaps the electrons are 'squished' out of the ends of the cylinder due to the repulsion when low HT is used. It's been so long since I used a thermionic diode. . . .

Actually, what got me thinking about this was saturation currents in the photoelectric effect.

But guess it's a similar phenomenon. Carrier depletion compensates for KE increases.
 
  • #12
sophiecentaur said:
It's been so long since I used a thermionic diode. . . .

There are still a few tubes being used in modern process equipment. I see them mainly in High-Voltage beam supplies. http://www.glassmanhv.com/products.shtml

I still tinker with old tube amps and radios as a hobby and restore classic radios for a neighbor who has a huge collection of old sets.
 

FAQ: Drift Velocity in a Vaccum Diode

1. What is drift velocity in a vacuum diode?

Drift velocity in a vacuum diode refers to the average speed at which electrons move through the diode in a vacuum environment. It is influenced by the electric field within the diode and the mobility of the electrons.

2. How is drift velocity calculated in a vacuum diode?

The drift velocity in a vacuum diode can be calculated by dividing the applied electric field by the electron mobility. The resulting value is the average speed at which the electrons move through the diode.

3. What factors can affect the drift velocity in a vacuum diode?

The drift velocity in a vacuum diode can be affected by the strength of the electric field, the temperature of the diode, and the material properties of the diode such as electron mobility and density.

4. Why is the drift velocity important in a vacuum diode?

The drift velocity is important in a vacuum diode because it determines the rate at which electrons move through the diode, which in turn affects the overall performance of the diode. It is a key factor in controlling the flow of current in the diode.

5. How does the drift velocity change with increasing voltage in a vacuum diode?

The drift velocity in a vacuum diode increases with increasing voltage. This is because the electric field becomes stronger, resulting in a higher acceleration of electrons and therefore a higher drift velocity. However, at very high voltages, the drift velocity may reach a maximum limit due to limitations in electron mobility.

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