Quantum dot array built into a nanoscale vibration detection scheme and the comparison with microlasers-based devices

The sciences of physics and quantum electronics are currently in the beginning of the second quantum revolution. If the main goal of the first quantum revolution can be formulated as the understanding of our physical world and its atomic and nuclear structures, today, during the second quantum revolution, we are able not only explain the Nature, but we are actively applying our understanding of the quantum world, for example, to create new artificial atoms (quantum dots) and develop new technologies and nanoscale quantum electronic devices based on the quantum dot (QD) arrays like QD lasers, QD memories, and quantum-dot cellular automata. The main objective of our work is to demonstrate that nanoscale cold electron emission schemes may offer an intriguing new technical methodology for compact fast vibration sensors. We propose an electronic displacement device by positioning a vibrating anode toward a special field electron emitter. Cold field electron emission from an array of quantum dots grown on SiC is applied, where the distance between the tip of emitting mounds and the counter-electrode (anode) is controlled by the moving object under study. To that end, field emission electron sources are built on a flexible substrate, which can take up and transfer the oscillations of a vibrating moving system into a change of the spacing distance between emitter and anode, and by this modulate the emission current density. As is derived from Fowler-Nordheim equations, sensitivity down to a few nanometers of vibration amplitude is possible. In conclusion, we compare our vibration detection scheme based on the quantum dot array with modern micro- and nano-photonic and laser-based devices.