Delving into the quantum world of surfaces, this paper explores electron tunneling and field emission from Cambridge surface states. These surface states, found in solids with specific electron band structures, are analyzed using complex k vector formalism. The research focuses on solids where electron band structures are described by analytic functions of wavenumber. These Cambridge surface states can exist in energy gaps caused by Bragg reflections, spin-orbit split gaps, and hybridization gaps. The theory of tunneling and field emission from these states is developed, calculating field emission energy distribution from d-band metal surface states using Harrison’s d-band pseudopotential theory. Interestingly, the study suggests that the act of measurement itself can alter the boundary conditions at the surface, potentially creating or destroying surface states. This is particularly relevant to strong coupling ion neutralization tunneling experiments. This work contributes to our understanding of surface physics and the interplay between measurement and quantum phenomena.
This article is difficult to contextualize due to a lack of journal categories. However, given that the article was published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, it can be inferred that the paper's topic aligns with the journal's focus on materials science and thin-film technology. By studying electron tunneling, the paper contributes to the development of nanotechnology.