A Quantum Tunneling Theory for Nanophotonics

We present electromagnetic scattering results that incorporates a quantum theory for tunneling electrons based on a traditional quantum mechanical approach. A set of linear and nonlinear quantum conductivity coefficients are extracted from the calculated ac current density, which are subsequently incorporated into the computations as electromagnetic material properties. The quantum conductivity parameters are determined with no fit parameters and can be applied even when the system is composed of dissimilar metal and dielectric nanostructures. Results are compared to quantum tunneling effects on nanophotonic structures reported in the literature.