Unique Properties of Diamond and Its Device Applications

―Negative Electron Affinity and Electron-emission PN Diode―

Abstract

Diamond is a new semiconductor which has been developed in the last around 15 years. It has unique properties and the potential of unique electronic devices. The typical example is negative electron affinity (NEA) for hydrogen terminated diamond surface. The nature of diamond electron affinity was investigated using by photo-yield spectroscopy (TPYS). Using the NEA property, electron emission p-n (p-i-n) diodes were fabricated, and this diode can be used as a new principle power device; a vacuum micro switch operated by a p-n diode.