Quantitative measurement of charge accumulation along a quasi-one-dimensional W5O14 nanowire during electron field emission

Abstract

We use an electron holographic method to determine the charge distribution along a quasi-one-dimensional W₅O₁₄ nanowire during in situ field emission in a transmission electron microscope. The results show that the continuous charge distribution along the nanowire is not linear, but that there is an additional accumulation of charge at its apex. An analytical expression for this additional contribution to the charge distribution is proposed and its effect on the field enhancement factor and emission current is discussed.