One-dimensional solution of Poisson's equation

So, how do we actually solve Poisson's equation,

(703)

. However, there are a few situations, possessing a high degree of symmetry, where it
is possible to find analytic solutions. Let us discuss some of these solutions.
Suppose, first of all, that there is no variation of quantities in (say) the - and directions. In this case, Poisson's equation reduces to an ordinary differential equation
in , the solution of which is relatively straight-forward. Consider, for instance,
a vacuum diode, in which electrons are emitted from a hot cathode and accelerated
towards an anode, which is held at a large positive potential
with respect to the
cathode. We can think of this as an essentially one-dimensional problem. Suppose that
the cathode is at
and the anode at
. Poisson's equation takes the form
(704)

where

satisfies the boundary conditions

and

conservation, an electron emitted from rest at the cathode has an

which satisfies

. By energy
-velocity
(705)

Finally, in a steady-state, the electric current (between the anode and cathode) is
independent of (otherwise, charge will build up at some points). In fact,
(706)

where
is the cross-sectional area of the diode. The previous three equations can be
combined to give
(707)

The solution of the above equation which satisfies the boundary conditions is
(708)

with
(709)

This relationship between the current and the voltage in a vacuum diode is called
the Child-Langmuir law