The removal of electrons from any species by interaction with a high electrical field.
See also: field desorption (in mass spectrometry)
Sources:
Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 203 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1548 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)