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Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Cold Cathodes: A Theoretical Analysis
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Abstract
In this paper we describe the field emission from wide band-gap semiconductor thin film electron sources as a three-step process. Internal field emission is the mechanism for electron injection at the metal-semiconductor cathode interface. Under an internal field, electrons injected into the conduction band can propagate quasi-ballistically through the thin semiconductor film. At the vacuum interface, they are field emitted across a PEA or NEA surface. Consistent with the electron injection mechanism we have done molecular dynamics simulations for GaN films with an initial energy distribution corresponding to a Fowler-Nordheim (FN) spectrum. Results demonstrate quasi-ballistic propagation and approximate preservation of the FN energy distribution. Furthermore, high levels of n-doping in GaN (∼ 1017cm−3) do not inhibit transport in thin films (<0.1 μm).
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997
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