Electron field emission based on plasmon resonance

Abstract

In this research, an electron emission method which combines field emission and plasmon resonance is proposed and examined. Electron field emission properties of a sharp gold tip under continuous-wave laser irradiation at the plasmonresonant wavelength are investigated. Due to the application of plasmon resonance, the electric field in the vicinity of the emitter is strongly enhanced, resulting in the decrease of emission threshold voltage and the increase of emission current. The emission-area is strongly confined under illumination when the optical electric field is parallel to the emitter shank, and the optical modulation of the emission current is demonstrated.