Electrohydrodynamic instabilities on a liquid anode displaying an anomalous surface tension coefficient

In the search for a deeper understanding of the factors governing the stability of liquid metal field-ion emitters, the behaviour of a liquid anode with an anomalous surface tension coefficient is studied.The main parameter in this experimental study is the emitter temperature. At the conclusion of the work an important result emerged: apart from the surface tension coefficient, space-charge effects constitute a major factor in influencing emitter stability.