Tunnel Current Control via CEP Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The control of tunnel current between conductive objects using terahertz wave pulses is inaccurate due to variations in the carrier envelope phase (CEP) of the terahertz wave pulse, which depends on the shape of the probe tip, leading to unintended tunnel current values.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a terahertz wave generation element, a CEP adjustment unit using circularly polarized light, a half-wave plate, and a focusing element to accurately control the CEP of the terahertz wave pulse, ensuring precise tunnel current control between conductive objects by adjusting the CEP and focusing the pulse in the gap between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If terahertz wave pulses are used to control tunnel current between conductive objects, then ultra-high-speed electronic control and precision processing become possible, but the tunnel current control accuracy deteriorates due to CEP variations dependent on probe tip shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the CEP of terahertz wave pulses to establish a correspondence relationship between CEP values and tunnel current characteristics. By changing the CEP parameter and measuring the resulting tunnel current, the system creates a lookup table or calibration curve that enables accurate current control through CEP adjustment, thereby resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining ultra-high-speed control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual tunnel current flowing between conductive objects and using this measurement to determine the appropriate CEP setting. The system continuously monitors tunnel current and adjusts the CEP accordingly, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that compensates for probe tip shape variations and ensures accurate tunnel current control
2Measurement precision
If spherical lenses or cylindrical lenses are inserted to adjust CEP, then CEP control becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (spherical lenses and cylindrical lenses) with an electronic or software-based CEP adjustment mechanism. By substituting physical optical components with electronic control methods, the system achieves CEP precision without increasing mechanical device complexity, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate control of tunnel current magnitude and direction, allowing for precise electronic control and potential applications in ultra-high-speed electronic devices and precision processing.
Implementation Method 1
a terahertz wave generation element configured to generate and output a terahertz wave pulse
Implementation Method 2
a CEP adjustment unit configured to input the terahertz wave pulse output from the terahertz wave generation element, adjust a CEP of the input terahertz wave pulse, and output the terahertz wave pulse after the CEP adjustment
Implementation Method 3
a circularly polarized light pulse generation element configured to input the terahertz wave pulse output from the terahertz wave generation element, and output the terahertz wave pulse as circularly polarized light
Implementation Method 4
a focusing element configured to input the terahertz wave pulse output from the CEP adjustment unit, and focus the input terahertz wave pulse in a gap between the first conductive object and the second conductive object
Implementation Method 5
a tunnel current flowing between a first conductive object and a second conductive object
Data Source
AI summary
A tunnel current control apparatus includes a terahertz wave generation element configured to generate and output a terahertz wave pulse, a CEP adjustment unit configured to adjust a CEP of the terahertz wave pulse, and an off-axis parabolic mirror serving as a focusing element configured to focus the terahertz wave pulse in a gap between a first conductive object and a second conductive object. The CEP adjustment unit can arbitrarily adjust the CEP of the terahertz wave pulse.