9308650 Kay We propose an in-depth investigation of charge and heat transport in semiconductor field emission devices via two-dimensional numerical simulations. The major goal of this work will be to examine heat generation and dissipation within emitter structures to answer fundamental questions concerning field emitter failure mechanisms. This investigation will also provide insight into routine operation of these devices. A new prototype test array of field emitter devices currently under development and fabrication here at Northeastern University will provide a wealth of data for experimental correlation unavailable anywhere else. Transport in the emitter interior will be modeled using the semiconductor driftdiffusion equations and the heat flow equation. Targeted areas of study will be the physics of disruptive breakdown and the effects of Joule heating, with substantial effort devoted to analyzing "whisker" structures which provide area of local field enhancement. ***
