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Uncovering a widely applicable empirical formula for field emission characteristics of metallic nanotips in nanogaps

Author

Listed:
  • Yimeng Li

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Linghan Xia

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Nan Li

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Shilong Tang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Yunsong Ge

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Jianyu Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Bing Xiao

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Yonghong Cheng

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Lay Kee Ang

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Guodong Meng

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Field electron emission is a key mechanism in nanoelectronics with nanogaps, offering advantages such as high electron velocity and fast switching speeds. However, nanoscale field emission, affected by geometric asymmetry including quantum tunneling near to the emitter, and quantum space charge effects, remains largely unexplored in experimental studies. Here, we in situ investigated field emission characteristics of pure tungsten nanotips across vacuum nanogaps. We revealed a widely applicable scaling behavior between field emission characteristics and the ratio of apex radius to gap length (R/d), and demonstrated that the effects of quantum tunnelling due to emitter shape are the predominant influence. We further proposed a modified field emission equation, incorporating an empirical formula for the apex shape factor, kMG (kMG = f(R/d) = 1.680 × (R/d + 0.468)−1.066), valid for R/d = 0.04 to 48. These findings provide fundamental insights into the optimization of nanoelectronic device design and the advancement of future technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Yimeng Li & Linghan Xia & Nan Li & Shilong Tang & Yunsong Ge & Jianyu Wang & Bing Xiao & Yonghong Cheng & Lay Kee Ang & Guodong Meng, 2025. "Uncovering a widely applicable empirical formula for field emission characteristics of metallic nanotips in nanogaps," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60607-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60607-6
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