A Relativistic Generalization of Fowler-Nordheim Cold Emission in Presence of Strong Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This paper develops a relativistic model for electron cold emission under strong magnetic fields, relevant for neutron stars, showing that vector barriers significantly enhance emission probability compared to scalar barriers, and that the emission does not decay exponentially.

Contribution

It introduces a relativistic framework for cold electron emission in strong magnetic fields, highlighting the impact of barrier type on emission probability and decay behavior.

Findings

Vector barriers increase emission probability compared to scalar barriers.

Emission probability is significantly higher than in classical Fowler-Nordheim theory.

Emission does not follow exponential decay in the relativistic, strong magnetic field regime.

Abstract

A relativistic version of cold emission of electrons in presence of strong magnetic field, relevant for strongly magnetized neutron stars is obtained. It is found that in this scenario, a scalar type potential barrier does not allow quantum tunneling through the surface. Whereas, in presence of a vector type surface barrier, the probability of electron emission is much larger compared to the original Fowler-Nordheim cold emission of electrons. It is found that the relativistic version in presence of strong magnetic field does not follow exponential decay.