Secondary emission meaning

Secondary emission is the release of electrons from a material that has been struck by primary electrons or other charged particles.


Secondary emission definitions

Word backwards yradnoces noissime
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division sec-on-dar-y e-mis-sion
Plural The plural of the word secondary emission is secondary emissions.
Total letters 17
Vogais (4) e,o,a,i
Consonants (7) s,c,n,d,r,y,m

Secondary emission is a phenomenon that occurs when electrons, after being accelerated, collide with a material's surface, causing the ejection of additional electrons. This process creates a cascade effect, where multiple electrons are emitted for each incident electron.

Causes of Secondary Emission

Secondary emission can be caused by various factors, such as the type of material, its surface characteristics, and the energy level of the incident electrons. Materials with a high secondary emission coefficient tend to release more electrons when bombarded with high-energy particles.

Applications of Secondary Emission

Secondary emission plays a crucial role in numerous technologies, including photomultiplier tubes, electron multipliers, and certain types of particle detectors. These devices rely on the amplification of electrons through secondary emission to detect and measure particles or radiation.

Impact of Secondary Emission

The ability to control and harness secondary emission has significant implications in various fields, such as particle physics, medical imaging, and high-energy physics research. Understanding the mechanisms behind secondary emission can lead to the development of more efficient and sensitive detection systems.

In summary, secondary emission is a fundamental process in electron emission that has widespread applications and implications across different scientific and technological domains.


Secondary emission Examples

  1. In electron microscopy, secondary emission is utilized to improve imaging resolution.
  2. Secondary emission in photomultiplier tubes helps amplify low light signals.
  3. The secondary emission of electrons can be influenced by the material's surface properties.
  4. Cathode ray tubes rely on secondary emission for electron beam generation.
  5. Ionization of gas molecules can lead to secondary emission of particles.
  6. Secondary emission monitors are used to detect particle showers in physics experiments.
  7. In plasma physics, secondary emission from walls can alter plasma behavior.
  8. Microchannel plates utilize secondary emission for electron multiplication.
  9. Secondary emission coatings are applied to surfaces for improved electrical conductivity.
  10. The efficiency of electron guns is affected by secondary emission phenomena.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 23/04/2024 - 19:58:43