Field emission from narrow bands above the Fermi level of nanometer-scale objects

Abstract

Field emission from localized narrow bands above the Fermi level (${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$) are obtained in two nanometer-scale systems: gold nanoclusters deposited on W support tips and nanotips that are W nano-scale protrusions formed on W support tips. The shift of localized bands was used as a probe of the tunneling process. The emission above ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ is explained by considering the role of the tail of the Fermi function in supplying electrons to these localized levels. Conservation of energy is consistent with this process. The emission of hot electrons opens the possibility of local cooling of nanostructures.