Space Charge Field Effects Research Articles

Physical Factors Governing the Shape of the Miram Curve Knee in Thermionic Emission

In a current density versus temperature (J-T) (Miram) curve in thermionic electron emission, experimental measurements demonstrate there is a smooth transition between the exponential region and the saturated emission regions, which is sometimes referred to as the "roll-off" or "Miram curve knee". The shape of the Miram curve knee is an important figure of merit for thermionic vacuum cathodes. Specifically, cathodes with a sharp Miram curve knee at low temperature with a flat saturated emission current are typically preferred. Our previous work on modeling nonuniform thermionic emission revealed that the space charge effect and patch field effect are key pieces of physics which impact the shape of the Miram curve knee. This work provides a more complete understanding of the physical factors connecting these physical effects and their relative impact on the shape of the knee, including the smoothness, the temperature, and the flatness of the saturated emission current density. For our analyses, we use a periodic, equal-width striped ("zebra crossing") work function distribution as a model system and illustrate how the space charge and patch field effects restrict the emission current density near the Miram curve knee. The results indicate there are three main physical parameters which significantly impact the shape of the Miram curve. Such physical knowledge directly connects the patch size, work function values, anode-cathode voltage, and anode-cathode gap distance to the shape of the Miram curve, providing new understanding and a guide to the design of thermionic cathodes used as electron sources in vacuum electronic devices (VEDs).

ADVANCED COMPUTING TOPOLOGICAL AND DYNAMICAL INVARIANTS OF RELATIVISTIC BACKWARD-WAVE TUBE TIME SERIES IN CHAOTIC AND HYPERCHAOTIC REGIMES

The advanced results of computing the dynamical and topological invariants (correlation dimensions values, embedding, Kaplan-York dimensions, Lyapunov’s exponents, Kolmogorov entropy etc) of the dynamics time series of the relativistic backward-wave tube with accounting for dissipation and space charge field and other effects are presented for chaotic and hyperchaotic regimes. It is solved a system of equations for unidimensional relativistic electron phase and field unidimensional complex amplitude. The data obtained make more exact earlier presented preliminary data for dynamical and topological invariants of the relativistic backward-wave tube dynamics in chaotic regimes and allow to describe a scenario of transition to chaos in temporal dynamics.

Research on effects of space charge field in relativistic backward wave oscillator

The breakdown problem in the relativistic backward wave oscillator (RBWO) limits the microwave pulse energy and should be solved. The slow wave structure (SWS) is the most key component of the RBWO. The breakdown of SWS may be triggered by field-induced electron emission and electron bombardment on the wall. This paper demonstrates that the space charge field of the relativistic electron beam (REB) can enhance the electric field forbidding field-induced electron emission and decrease the electric field igniting the RF breakdown, and therefore, the RF breakdown can be significantly suppressed. However, the enhanced electric field will enlarge the radial displacements of electrons, especially the high-energy electrons. When the RBWO operates with a low guiding magnetic field or a long-pulse REB, this situation will worsen and some electrons may possess large enough radial displacements and bombard on the SWS surface with the help of radial oscillation of REB and radial expansion of cathode plasmas. This may aggravate the breakdown of SWS.

ХАОТИЧНА ДИНАМІКА РЕЛЯТИВІСТСЬКОЇ ЛАМПИ ЗВЕРНЕНОЇ ХВИЛІ З УРАХУВАННЯМ ВПЛИВУ ПОЛЯ ПРОСТОРОВОГО ЗАРЯДУ ТА ДИСИПАЦІЇ: НОВІ ЕФЕКТИ

We have performed an advanced modelling nonlinear dynamics elements for relativistic backward-wave tube (RBWT) with accounting for dissipation and space charge field effects etc. The temporal dependences of the normalized field amplitude (power) in a wide range of variation of the controlling parameters (electric length of an interaction space N, bifurcation parameter L and relativistic factor g0) are computed. The dynamic and topological invariants of the RBWT dynamics in auto-modulation and chaotic regimes such as correlation dimensions values, embedding, Kaplan-York dimensions, Lyapunov’s exponents, Kolmogorov entropy etc are calculated. It has been discovered the "beak" effect on the plane of parameters: bifurcation Piers-like parameter L – relativistic factor g0.

Two color laser self focusing and terahertz generation in multi-ion species plasma

An analytical formalism of self focusing of two co-propagating laser beams, fundamental ω1 and close to second harmonic ω2≈2ω1, in a multi-ion species plasma and resonant terahertz radiation generation has been developed. The nonlinearity arises due to ponderomotive force on electrons by both the beams and subsequent ambipolar redistribution of the plasma. The ions of higher charged state are strongly depleted from the axial region due to space charge field effects and electron charge is largely compensated by the ions of lower charge. When the power of the strong beam equals the critical power for its self-guiding, the plasma provides an oscillatory waveguide for the weak beam; the weak beam shrinks and rebounds when its frequency is lower than that of the strong beam, and it swallows and rebounds when the frequency is higher. When both beams are strong the nonlinearities have cumulative effect on both the beams. The cross coupling of the beams gives rise to nonlinear current giving rise to terahertz radiation at ω=ω2−2ω1 frequency. An axial density ripple aids phase matching and gives rise to higher power conversion efficiency. Self focusing leads to enhancement in conversion efficiency.

Symplectic multiparticle tracking model for self-consistent space-charge simulation

Symplectic tracking is important in accelerator beam dynamics simulation. So far, to the best of our knowledge, there is no self-consistent symplectic space-charge tracking model available in the accelerator community. In this paper, we present a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional symplectic multi-particle spectral model for space-charge tracking simulation. This model includes both the effect from external fields and the effect of self-consistent space-charge fields using a split-operator method. Such a model preserves the phase space structure and shows much less numerical emittance growth than the particle-in-cell model in the illustrative examples.

Space-Charge Field Assisted Electron Acceleration by Plasma Wave in Magnetic Plasma Channel

When the duration of a laser pulse is comparable to the plasma wave period, a large-amplitude plasma wave can be driven by the laser. In the presence of a guiding magnetic field, the large-amplitude plasma wave of finite transverse extent and large phase velocity resonantly accelerates the electrons to a higher energy level. For a small laser spot size, the laser exerts an axial as well as the radial ponderomotive force on the electrons that creates a density depression on the laser axis. This electron-depleted channel also creates a radial electric field (ion space-charge field). The acceleration of electrons in this channel is investigated, where the effect of ion space-charge field is considered, by solving the single particle dynamical equations. This paper shows that the space charge field plays an important role in electron energy gain during acceleration by a plasma wave in a magnetic plasma channel. This paper may be crucial in understanding the dynamics of particle motion and improving the quality of accelerated electron beam in the laser wakefield accelerators.

Negative DC corona inception in coaxial cylinders under variable atmospheric conditions: A comparison with positive corona

Characteristics of negative DC corona threshold inception in the coaxial cylindrical electrode arrangement are investigated based on experimental data and computations on avalanche growth considering a field and atmospheric conditions dependent photoelectron emission coefficient. A transition region between glow and streamer regimes of inception of the self-sustained corona discharge could be identified on the basis of space charge field effects on avalanche growth. Approximate expressions are introduced for satisfactorily estimating the negative corona inception field strength as interactively affected by conductor radius and atmospheric conditions. Polarity effects on corona inception characteristics are elucidated. The establishment of the glow corona generally occurs up to larger conductors for negative than positive corona; the opposite may also apply depending on atmospheric conditions. The inception field strength as well as its dependence on atmospheric conditions differs only slightly between negative and positive streamer corona; a critical avalanche number per unit length of ∼108 cm−1 is required for both negative and positive streamer formation.

Threshold inception conditions for positive DC corona in the coaxial cylindrical electrode arrangement under variable atmospheric conditions

The conditions for threshold inception of positive DC corona in the coaxial cylindrical electrode arrangement are investigated. The establishment of the self-sustained corona discharge in glow or streamer form, as influenced by conductor radius and atmospheric conditions, is evaluated through detailed computations that consider space charge field effects on avalanche growth. The salient corona characteristics at threshold inception are assessed and discussed through comparisons with literature experimental data. In a wide range of inner conductor radius and atmospheric conditions corona initiates in streamer form when a critical avalanche number per unit length of about 108 cm-1 is attained. Accurate formulation of the critical field strength required to sustain ionization allowed for the derivation of approximate expressions accounting well for the interactive effects of conductor radius and atmospheric conditions on the corona inception field strength in both glow and streamer regimes.

Effect of optical pump on the dielectric properties of SrTiO3 in terahertz range

Tuning the dielectric permittivity spectra of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) single crystals in an external optical field is investigated at room temperature by means of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The application of the optical field leads to an appreciable tuning of the permittivity, reaching up to 2.8%, with the dielectric loss changing about 3%. The observed behavior is interpreted in terms of soft-mode hardening due to the anharmonic character of its potential. We also find that the change of the refractive index responds linearly to the applied light power. These findings are attributed to a linear electro-optical effect of the internal space charge field of the crystal.

The Maxwell-Wagner model for charge transport in ambipolar organic field-effect transistors: The role of zero-potential position

Charge transport in an ambipolar organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) is discussed in accordance to the potential profiles reconstructed from the electric-field induced second-harmonic generation experiment. The Maxwell-Wagner model based on drift-diffusion equation in OFET is used for the potential profile analysis. A good agreement between dielectric model and the experiment suggests importance of the space-charge field effects in the design of the ambipolar light-emitting OFETs. Further, the highest enhancement of the electric field is on zero-potential position in the channel, which represents the meeting point of electrons and holes and is an origin of the electroluminescence.

Gradual channel approximation models for organic field-effect transistors: The space-charge field effect

The gradual channel approximation is widely used for organic field-effect transistors with an assumption of linear potential profile across the channel. However, this is in contradiction with reported potential profiles. Here, we discuss linear and nonlinear potential profiles in the meaning of the space-charge field generated by injected carriers. The influence on current-voltage relation used for mobility evaluation in linear and saturated regions is proposed as well as transition between these states. In addition, the effect of the space-charge on the potential drop and field around the drain electrode in the saturation region is discussed.

All-optical injection and detection of ballistic charge currents in germanium

All optical techniques are used to inject and to study the relaxation dynamics of ballistic charge currents in clean germanium at room temperature without the application of external contacts or the use of externally applied fields. Ballistic currents are injected by the quantum interference between the transition amplitudes for direct one and two photon absorption of a pair of phase-locked and harmonically related ultrafast laser pulses. The transport of carriers following ballistic injection is temporally and spatially resolved using optical differential transmission techniques that are sensitive to the relative optical phase of the two injection pulses. The electron-hole dynamics are determined by the initial ballistic injection velocity, momentum relaxation, and space charge field effects. The injection process in Ge is similar to that in direct band gap materials but the indirect nature of Ge complicates the monitoring of the carrier dynamics, allowing the holes to play a more prominent role than in direct gap materials. The latter opens the possibility of following the hole (as opposed to the electron) dynamics.

Higher-order space-charge field effects on the self-deflection of two-photon bright screening-photovoltaic spatial solitons

We investigate higher-order space-charge field effects on the self-deflection of bright screening-photovoltaic (SP) spatial solitons due to two-photon photorefractive effects by using a numerical method under steady-state conditions. The expression for the induced space-charge electric field, including higher-order space-charge field terms, is obtained. The numerical results indicate that bright SP solitons show the self-deflection process during propagation. The absolute value of the self-deflection due to the first-order diffusion term alone is smaller than that due to both the first-order diffusion term and higher-order space-charge terms acting together. Also, the biased electric field and photovoltaic field effects on the self-deflection of bright SP solitons are discussed.

Higher-order space-charge field effects on the self-deflection of two-photon bright photovoltaic spatial solitons

We investigate numerically the effects of higher-order space-charge field on the self-deflection of bright photovoltaic spatial solitons in two-photon photovoltaic photorefractive crystals under steady-state conditions. The expression for an induced space-charge electric field, including higher-order space-charge field terms is obtained. The dynamical evolution equation is built in which the effects that arise from these higher-order terms are considered. Numerical results indicate that bright photovoltaic solitons can bend towards both the same direction as the crystal's c-axis and the opposite direction, respectively. Specifically, self-deflection cannot occur for bright photovoltaic solitons if the strength of the photovoltaic field and the intensity of the input beam are appropriately selected. Relevant examples are provided.

All-Polymer Photovoltaic Devices of Poly(3-(4-n-octyl)-phenylthiophene) from Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) Polymerization

The synthesis of poly[3-(4-n-octyl)-phenylthiophene] (POPT) from Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) is reported. GRIM POPT is found to have favorable electronic, optical, and processing properties for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Space-charge limited current and field effect transistor measurements for POPT yielded hole mobilities of 1 x 10(-4) cm(2)/(V s) and 0.05 cm(2)/(V s), respectively. Spincasting GRIM POPT from chlorobenzene yields a thin film with a 1.8 eV band gap, and PC(61)BM:POPT bulk heterojection devices provide a peak performance of 3.1%. Additionally, an efficiency of 2.0% is achieved in an all-polymer, bilayer OPV using poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-(1-cyanovinylene)phenylene] (CNPPV) as an acceptor. This state-of-the-art all-polymer device is analyzed in comparison to the analogous poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/CNPPV device. Counter to expectations based on more favorable energy level alignment, greater active layer light absorption, and similar hole mobility, P3HT/CNPPV devices perform less well than POPT/CNPPV devices with a peak efficiency of 0.93%.

Thermionic emission model for contact resistance in organic field-effect transistor

Injection mechanism of top-contact pentacene field-effect transistor (OFET) was investigated in respect to the internal field. The contact resistance was evaluated by the transmission line method for various applied external voltages as well as various pentacene film thicknesses. The behaviour of contact resistance was described in terms of the thermionic emission model (Schottky injection) and internal electric field generated by excess charges accumulated on pentacene–gate insulator interface. It was shown that pentacene film thickness changes the internal electric field affecting the carrier injection barrier. It was concluded that the space-charge field effect made a significant contribution for smaller pentacene film thicknesses and therefore in accordance to the thermionic model was able to decrease contact resistance representing the potential drop.

Space charge field effect on light emitting from tetracene field-effect transistor under AC electric field

By applying square wave AC voltage to the Au source electrode of tetracene based field-effect transistor (FET), electroluminescence (EL) was obtained. The results suggest that electrons and holes were injected alternately from the source electrode and recombined each other, and lead to the EL. This type of EL was localized at the interface between the source electrode and tetracene, and enhanced periodically with two relaxation times in accordance with the applied AC voltage cycle. We modeled the carrier behavior in the FET and explained the decay of EL, taking into account the space charge field contribution. Finally, using an AC voltage superposed on DC bias voltage, it was shown that electron injection was prompted only by space charge field.

Probing carrier injection into pentacene field effect transistor by time-resolved microscopic optical second harmonic generation measurement

By probing optical second harmonic generation (SHG) signals enhanced around the injection electrode, the carrier injection mechanism of top-contact pentacene field-effect transistors (FETs) was investigated in terms of Schottky injection. At the Au source electrode, the SHG signal disappeared immediately after applying the driving voltage: the applied external electric field was cancelled by the space charge field formed by holes accumulated in the FET channel. At the Ag source electrode, the SH intensity decayed slowly. Its dependence on the device operation voltage suggested that the electric field was not relaxed by injected holes. The Schottky effect regulated carrier injection. The space charge field effect attributable to accumulated holes contributed to the carrier injection.

Visualization of space charge field effect on excitons in a GaAs quantum dot by near-field optical wavefunction mapping

Near-field photoluminescence (PL) imaging spectroscopy was used to investigate multi-exciton and charged-exciton states confined in a single GaAs interface fluctuation quantum dot. We determined the origin of peaks in the PL spectra by employing a wavefunction mapping technique. We observed distortion of the exciton wavefunction due to the electric field produced by an excess electron at a nearby confined state. Near-field wavefunction mapping was demonstrated to be a powerful tool for visualizing the local environment, which affects the emission properties of quantum dots.