Three-dimensional simulation of novel surface conduction electron-emitters

Abstract

We for the first time explore a novel structure of Pd thin-film emitter fabricated on the substrate with various gaps ranging from mn to 90 nm. With the 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation, we study the conducting mechanism and driving current for the new device with one palladium field emission emitter. Compared with the experimental data, our calibrated simulation predicts a high emission efficiency of the investigated device structure. It is found that the turn-on voltage is about 50V and a very high electron emission current of 0.1 mA is estimated at the anode voltage of 80 V for one emitter. The novel structure Of surface conduction electron-emitter (SCE) has the advantages of the simple fabrication and the high emission efficiency. Based upon the numerical procedure, we are currently investigating the emission efficiency for more advanced structures of SCE.