Approximate universality in the tunneling potential for curved field emitters -- a line charge model approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a curvature-corrected tunneling potential model for curved field emitters, demonstrating its approximate universality across different shapes and distances, improving current prediction accuracy beyond standard models.

Contribution

It analytically establishes a universal tunneling potential for curved emitters using a line charge model, validated by numerical simulations for various geometries and distances.

Findings

Universal tunneling potential approximates various emitter shapes.

Curvature correction improves current prediction accuracy.

Model valid for both distant and close proximity anodes.

Abstract

Field emission tips with apex radius of curvature below 100nm are not adequately described by the standard theoretical models based on the Fowler-Nordheim and Murphy-Good formalisms. This is due to the breakdown of the `constant electric field' assumption within the tunneling region leading to substantial errors in current predictions. A uniformly applicable curvature-corrected field emission theory requires that the tunneling potential be approximately universal irrespective of the emitter shape. Using the line charge model, it is established analytically that smooth generic emitter tips approximately follow this universal trend when the anode is far away. This is verified using COMSOL for various emitter shapes including the locally non-parabolic `hemisphere on a cylindrical post'. It is also found numerically that the curvature-corrected tunneling potential provides an adequate approximation when the anode is in close proximity as well as in the presence of other emitters.