Richard G. Forbes
This tutorial/technical note provides a high-level overview of the current state of basic field electron emission (FE) theory, as suitable for use in the context of technological applications of the FE theory. At present, there is significant theoretical confusion in the technological FE literature. Even in sensitive technological contexts, many papers have stated or used out-of-date theory that makes current-density predictions that are several hundred times less than those of the modern FE theory. A primary aim of this note is to help modernize the theory used in the future published FE literature, where needed. It is not intended as a detailed review of the FE theory.