Resonant tunneling emitter quantum mechanically coupled to a vacuum gap

Abstract

A resonant tunneling emitter quantum mechanically coupled to a vacuum gap significantly increases the current level as compared to a Fowler–Nordheim field emitter. In addition, an almost monoenergetic distribution of the emitted electrons produces well resolved oscillations of the tunneling current as a function of the vacuum gap thickness and applied voltage. These effects, which may have potential device applications, are investigated using a simple model.