Extraction of emission area from Fowler–Nordheim plots

Abstract

The process of deriving emission-area estimates from Fowler-Nordheim ͑FN͒ plots is investigated, using emission-area extraction functions and an iterative procedure suggested earlier ͓R. G. Forbes, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 17, 526 ͑1999͔͒. Simulated FN-plot data have been prepared using free-electron theory and three different tunneling-barrier models ͑elementary triangular barrier, image-rounded ''Schottky-Nordheim'' barrier, and a quadratically enhanced barrier͒. These have been analyzed using two area-extraction spreadsheets with different models ͑elementary triangular barrier and Schottky-Nordheim barrier͒ embedded in them. It is confirmed that significant errors in the area estimate may occur if the emission model used to analyze the FN-plot data does not correspond well with the model/physics responsible for generating the data. It is also concluded that parameters used in the area-extraction process should correspond to emission variables in the midrange of the FN-plot data.

Extraction of emission parameters for large-area field emitters, using a technically complete Fowler–Nordheim-type equation

“…[28,[36][37][38][39][40][41] provides a modern reformulation of SN barrier theory that aims to be easier to understand, but contains some typographical errors. In addition to those already corrected [23], eq.…”

Improved approach to Fowler–Nordheim plot analysis

“…An equivalent effect was shown in Ref. 17 (using the old approach), when extracting notional emission area. In the methodology here, the advantages of a marginally more accurate extraction procedure are outweighed by the merits of having an exactly defined procedure,…”

“…This article proposes an improvement to the tangent method 2 of analyzing FN plots. The new approach is intended to replace the existing theory [2][3][4][5] of the tangent method, and to act as general enabling theory for FN plot analysis of data described empirically by a FN-type…”

Relationship of the Distribution Thickness of Dielectric Layer on the Nano-Tip Apex and Distribution of Emitted Electrons 

“…Field electron emission is the emission of electrons from the surface of a cathode under the influence of a high applied electrostatic field (typically about 3 V/nm) (Forbes et al, 2004;Mousa, 1996). The field electron emitter is particularly attractive as an electron source, due to its suitable emission properties and simple operating principle .…”