Manifestation of quantum image forces of electrons in auto- and thermoelectronic emission at metal-dielectric interface

A general equation for a thermoelectronic emission current has been obtained with regard to quantum image forces described in terms of the theory of the electron polaron at the contact between two media developed by the authors. It was demonstrated that noticeable deviations of field dependence of the tunnel current from the known classical results should occur in the field region $F>10^6$ V/cm.