field emission

noun Physics.

1. the removal of electrons from a metallic conductor by a strong electric field.

noun

1. the emission of electrons from a solid or liquid subjected to a high electric field

1. The emission of electrons from the surface of a conductor, caused by a strong electric field. Field emission is used to create electron beams in certain electron microscopes, as well as in flat-panel computer and television displays, in which the electron beams produce light by striking a phosphor-coated screen.