Tunneling hot electron transfer amplifiers (THETA): A proposal for novel amplifiers operating in the subpicosecond range

A proposal for three terminal devices which rely on the transfer of quasi-monoenergetic hot electron beam through a thin base is presented. Small area (∼10^-10cm²) and thin film (∼10Å) devices are expected to operate in the subpicosecond range, and to exhibit a negative resistance between two terminals which is controlled by the third terminal. Results of calculations and predicted performances and difficulties are described.