thermionics
Heated electron science
Thermionics is the branch of physics dealing with the emission of electrons from heated materials.
When certain substances—especially metals—reach high temperatures, electrons escape from their surfaces.
This principle underlies vacuum tubes, cathode ray tubes, and some power generation systems.
The field was central to early electronics before semiconductors largely replaced thermionic devices.
Electrode current exits through
- anodeOxidation electrode
- filamentVery thin thread
- gridFramework of intersecting lines
- plateFlat dish for food
triode · pentode · tetrode · diode · valve · magnetron · CRT · oscillator
Liberation of negative particles
- cathode rayElectrons emitted in vacuum tubes
- emitterThing that gives off
- electron cloudProbable electron location zone
Broadcasts electromagnetic signals wirelessly
- radarRadio-wave object detection
- electron microscopeInstrument magnifying via charged particles
- power amplifierCircuit that increases signal strength
- audio amplifierDevice that strengthens sound signals
Conductive interface point
- tungsten filamentHeated wire producing illumination
- socketHollow receiving cavity
- vacuum sealAirless container barrier
Subatomic passage through classically forbidden regions
- quantum statesProbabilistic particle descriptions
- secondary emissionParticles released by impact
cathode
Electrode current exits through
plate · triode · pentode · tetrode · diode · valve · magnetron · CRT · oscillator · amplifier
electron emission
Liberation of negative particles
- cathode rayElectrons emitted in vacuum tubes
- emitterThing that gives off
- electron cloudProbable electron location zone
radio transmitter
Broadcasts electromagnetic signals wirelessly
- radarRadio-wave object detection
- electron microscopeInstrument magnifying via charged particles
- power amplifierCircuit that increases signal strength
electrode
Conductive interface point
- tungsten filamentHeated wire producing illumination
- socketHollow receiving cavity
- vacuum sealAirless container barrier
quantum tunneling
Subatomic passage through classically forbidden regions
- quantum statesProbabilistic particle descriptions
- secondary emissionParticles released by impact
thermionicssemiconductors
Partially conductive materials
photoemission · superconductivity · integrated circuits · microelectronics