3D CALCULATIONS AT ATOMIC SCALE OF THE ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL AND FIELD CREATED BY A TETON TIP

We have calculated, in three dimensions and on the atomic scale, the electrostatic potential and field distribution created by a small protrusion placed on a hyperboloidal base tip, thus simulating a teton tip. The tip together with a plane orthogonal to the axis of the hyperboloid forms a capacitor. The electrostatic potential is calculated by minimizing the electrostatic energy of the capacitor, and the field is then derived. Calculations are performed for different protrusion geometries and dimensions, in order to characterize the emission zone and the directions of the field over the apex.