Negative Differential Resistance in Laser-Assisted Field Emission from Si Nanowires

  • M. Choueib
  • , A. Derouet
  • , P. Vincent
  • , A. Ayari
  • , P. Poncharal
  • , C. S. Cojocaru
  • , R. Martel
  • , S. T. Purcell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Semiconducting nanowires (NWs) are studied in field-emission (FE) for expanding electron gun performances and functionality in terms of stability, brightness and pulsed emission. Here we report on a pronounced double negative differential resistance (NDR) in the FE IV characteristics measured during photo-assisted field emission experiments on highly crystalline ptype silicon nanowires (NWs). The main feature is a double NDR in the current saturation regime, which can be modulated by both temperature and light intensity. These results contrast with previous FE studies in which only barely discernable single NDR was reported. Several mechanisms for the physical explanation of the NDR are currently under consideration : photo-generated carrier instabilities in the depletion region, which give raise to a pulsed space-charge current build-ups in the nanowire or the presence of a double quantum well formed by confinement near the Si nanowire apex. Because NDRs are signatures of pulsed currents, these results suggest new functionalities for which pulsed electron sources can potentially be achieved at high repetition rates.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, IVNC 2021
EditorsStephen Purcell, Jean-Paul Mazellier
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665425896
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021
Event34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, IVNC 2021 - Virtual, Lyon, France
Duration: 5 Jul 20219 Jul 2021

Publication series

Name2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, IVNC 2021

Conference

Conference34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, IVNC 2021
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityVirtual, Lyon
Period5/07/219/07/21

Keywords

  • Field emission
  • Negative Differential Resistance
  • Photo-induced diode
  • Silicon nanowire
  • Space-charge effects

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