Electric power source employing field emission

Abstract

An electric power source in which an electron collector and an electron emitter, having a higher work function than the electron collector, are connected peripherally by a wire and placed very close together. An electric potential difference develops between the electron collector and the electron emitter as electrons spontaneously flow through the wire from the electron collector to the electron emitter due to the difference in work functions. With the electron collector and electron emitter positioned extremely close together, the small electric potential difference creates a strong electric field. The strong electric field allows field emission of electrons from the electron emitter. The emitted electrons then cross the small gap to the electron collector, completing the electric circuit, allowing a continuous electric current to flow, making this device an electric power source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.