Simulation of Laser-Induced Rectification in a Nano-scale Diode Model

Time-dependent density functional theory is utilized to simulate a periodic jellium model system, representing a nano-scale vacuum-tube diode, subject to a continuous laser. Such devices are suggested as a means of achieving petahertz operational speeds due to improved transport velocities. Local geometric sharpness causes enhanced field emission and results in laser-induced rectification. The rate of electron transfer between jellium clusters is meausured for various field intensities, and separation distances.