Solar-blind field-assisted NEA AlGaN heterojunction nanocone array photocathode

With the abundant utilization of ultraviolet detectors, the proposal for designing vacuum photoelectron emitting devices with efficient solar blind detection performance continues to increase. To alleviate the phenomenon of secondary absorption where photoelectrons are absorbed by an adjacent nanocone, in general, nanocone arrays, the theoretical model of the field-assisted negative electron affinity Alx1Ga1-x1N/Alx2Ga1-x2N heterojunction nanocone array photocathode is established. The built-in electric field of the heterojunction nanocone directed from top to bottom is utilized to promote the drifting of photocurrent along the nanocone, and the external electric field induced by a silver electrode is expected to enhance the probability of electron collection. The results show that the electron collection ratio is enhanced and the electron collection efficiency of the nanocone photocathode is improved, which proves the effectiveness of the applied electric field. This work could turn into the theoretical guidance of the design and manufacture of high-performance solar-blind ultraviolet detectors.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new design for vacuum photoelectron emitting devices to address the issue of secondary absorption, utilizing a theoretical model of field-assisted negative electron affinity Alx1Ga1-x1N/Alx2Ga1-x2N heterojunction nanocone array photocathode. By applying electric fields, the electron collection ratio and efficiency of the nanocone photocathode are significantly improved. This work could serve as a theoretical guideline for the design and manufacture of high-performance solar-blind ultraviolet detectors.