Generalization of Child-Langmuir Law for Non-Zero Injection Velocities in a Planar Diode

Abstract

The Child-Langmuir law relates the voltage applied across a planar diode to the saturation value J_CL of current density that can be transmitted through it in case the injection velocity of electrons into the diode is zero. The Child-Langmuir current density J_CL is, at the same time, (i) the maximum current density that can be transmitted through a planar diode, (ii) the current density below which the flow is steady and unidirectional in the long time limit and (iii) the average transmitted current density for {\em any} value of injected current density above J_CL. Existing generalizations of Child-Langmuir law to non-zero velocities of injection are based on the characteristics (i) and (ii) of J_CL. This paper generalizes the law to non-zero velocities of injection based on the characteristic (iii) by deriving an analytical expression for the saturation value of current density. The analytical expression for the saturation current density is found to be well supported by numerical computations. A reason behind preferring the saturation property of the Child-Langmuir current density as the basis for its generalization is the importance of that property in numerical simulations of high current diode devices.