Large energy density in three-plate nanocapacitors due to Coulomb blockade

摘要

The maximum energy density of a capacitor is comparatively small due to large leak currents that thermally degrade the system. We study a three-plate system with nanometer gaps between the plates. Two negatively charged plates (cathodes) sandwich a thin, positively charged inner plate (anode). The dynamics of the electrons, in gaps of such a capacitor, are quantized, even at room temperature, because the dimensions are so small. Under strong fields, eigenstates between the electrodes fill and reduce the leak current between the anode and cathode. We show that the self-discharge time for a three-plate nanocapacitor can be significantly longer than a comparable two-plate nanocapacitor, thus increasing maximum energy density of such a nanocapacitor. (C) 2018 Author(s).