R. P. Joshi

A model study of the role of workfunction variations in cold field emission from microstructures with inclusion of field enhancements

An analytical study of field emission from microstructures is presented that includes position-dependent electric field enhancements, quantum corrections due to electron confinement and fluctuations of the workfunction. Our calculations, applied to a ridge microstructure, predict strong field enhancements. Though quantization lowers current densities as compared to the traditional Fowler–Nordheim process, strong field emission currents can nonetheless be expected for large emitter aspect ratios. Workfunction variations arising from changes in electric field penetration at the surface, or due to interface defects or localized screening, are shown to be important in enhancing the emission currents.

Particle-in-cell based parameter study of 12-cavity, 12-cathode rising-sun relativistic magnetrons for improved performance

Particle-in-cell simulations are performed to analyze the efficiency, output power and leakage currents in a 12-Cavity, 12-Cathode rising-sun magnetron with diffraction output (MDO). The central goal is to conduct a parameter study of a rising-sun magnetron that comprehensively incorporates performance enhancing features such as transparent cathodes, axial extraction, the use of endcaps, and cathode extensions. Our optimum results demonstrate peak output power of about 2.1 GW, with efficiencies of ∼70% and low leakage currents at a magnetic field of 0.45 Tesla, a 400 kV bias with a single endcap, for a range of cathode extensions between 3 and 6 centimeters.

Photoionization capable, extreme and vacuum ultraviolet emission in developing low temperature plasmas in air

Experimental observation of photoionization capable extreme ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet emission from nanosecond timescale, developing low temperature plasmas (i.e. streamer discharges) in atmospheric air is presented. Applying short high voltage pulses enabled the observation of the onset of plasma formation exclusively by removing the external excitation before spark development was achieved. Contrary to the common assumption that radiative transitions from the b1∏u (Birge-Hopfield I) and b′1∑+ u (Birge-Hopfield II) singlet states of N2 are the primary contributors to photoionization events, these results indicate that radiative transitions from the c′4 1∑+ u (Carroll-Yoshino) singlet state of N2 are dominant in developing low temperature plasmas in air. In addition to c′4 transitions, photoionization capable transitions from atomic and singly ionized atomic oxygen were also observed. The inclusion of c′4 1∑+ u transitions into a statistical photoionization model coupled with a fluid model enabled streamer growth in the simulation of positive streamers.

Analysis of high field effects on the steady-state current-voltage response of semi-insulating 4H-SiC for photoconductive switch applications

A model-based analysis of the steady-state, current-voltage response of semi-insulating 4H-SiC is carried out to probe the internal mechanisms, focusing on electric field driven effects. Relevant physical processes, such as multiple defects, repulsive potential barriers to electron trapping, band-to-trap impact ionization, and field-dependent detrapping, are comprehensively included. Results of our model match the available experimental data fairly well over orders of magnitude variation in the current density. A number of important parameters are also extracted in the process through comparisons with available data. Finally, based on our analysis, the possible presence of holes in the samples can be discounted up to applied fields as high as ∼275u2009kV/cm.

Heating based model analysis for explosive emission initiation at metal cathodes

This contribution presents a model analysis for the initiation of explosive emission; a phenomena that is observed at cathode surfaces under high current densities. Here, localized heating is quantitatively evaluated on ultrashort time scales as a potential mechanism that initiates explosive emission, based on a two-temperature, relaxation time model. Our calculations demonstrate a strong production of nonequilibrium phonons, ultimately leading to localized melting. Temperatures are predicted to reach the cathode melting point over nanosecond times within the first few monolayers of the protrusion. This result is in keeping with the temporal scales observed experimentally for the initiation of explosive emission.

Model predictions for atmospheric air breakdown by radio-frequency excitation in large gaps

The behavior of the breakdown electric field versus frequency (DC to 100u2009MHz) for different gap lengths has been studied numerically at atmospheric pressure. Unlike previous reports, the focus here is on much larger gap lengths in the 1–5u2009cm range. A numerical analysis, with transport coefficients obtained from Monte Carlo calculations, is used to ascertain the electric field thresholds at which the growth and extinction of the electron population over time are balanced. Our analysis is indicative of a U-shaped frequency dependence, lower breakdown fields with increasing gap lengths, and trends qualitatively similar to the frequency-dependent field behavior for microgaps. The low frequency value of ∼34u2009kV/cm for a 1u2009cm gap approaches the reported DC Paschen limit.

Asymmetric conduction in biological nanopores created by high-intensity, nanosecond pulsing: Inference on internal charge lining the membrane based on a model study

Nanosecond, high-intensity electric pulses have been reported to open rectifying pores in biological cell membranes. The present goal is to qualitatively understand and analyze the experimental current-voltage (I-V) data. Here, nanopore transport is probed using a numerical method and on the basis of an analytical model. Our results show that geometric asymmetry in the nanopore would not yield asymmetry in the I-V characteristics. However, positive surface charge lining the pore could produce characteristics that compare well with data from patch-clamp measurements, and a value of ∼0.02u2009C/m2 is predicted from the numerical calculations.

Dynamic analysis of material ejection from cathodic metal nano-tips due to local heating and field generated stress

The potential for explosive cathode emission due to nanoprotrusions subjected to Maxwell stress and heating from strong electric fields is probed self-consistently based on non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics. The focus is on determining the electric field magnitudes that could lead to material ejection, assessing dependencies of the instability on the nanoprotrusion height and cross-sectional area, and the role of time-dependent thermal conductivity and local temperature changes. Our results indicate that large aspect ratios would facilitate mass ejection, with protrusion break up occurring over times in the 25u2009ns range, in agreement with experimental reports on explosive emission.

Calculations of secondary electron yield of graphene coated copper for vacuum electronic applications

The suppression of secondary electron yield (SEY) which can possibly lead to multipactor is an important goal for several applications. Though some techniques have focused on geometric modifications to lower the SEY, the use of graphene coatings as thin as a few monolayers is a promising new development that deserves attention either as a standalone technique or in concert with geometric alterations. Here we report on Monte Carlo based numerical studies of SEY on graphene coated copper with comparisons to recent experimental data. Our predicted values are generally in good agreement with reported measurements. Suppression of the secondary electron yield by as much as 50 percent (over copper) with graphene coating is predicted at energies below 125 eV, and bodes well for multipactor suppression in radio frequency applications.

Monte Carlo analysis of field-dependent electron avalanche coefficients in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure

Calculations of electron impact ionization of nitrogen gas at atmospheric pressure are presented based on the kinetic Monte Carlo technique. The emphasis is on energy partitioning between primary and secondary electrons, and three different energy sharing schemes have been evaluated. The ionization behavior is based on Wanniers classical treatment. Our Monte Carlo results for the field-dependent drift velocities match the available experimental data. More interestingly, the field-dependent first Townsend coefficient predicted by the Monte Carlo calculations is shown to be in close agreement with reported data for E/N values ranging as high as 4000u2009Td, only when a random assignment of excess energies between the primary and secondary particles is used.