Matching emission centers of electrons and photons in current-carrying silver nanoparticle films

Current flow through a nanoparticle film (two-dimensional ensemble of small tunnel-coupled metal particles on a dielectric substrate) is accompanied by electron and photon emission. It has a localized character (originates from emission centers). With an increase in applied voltage, the number of emission centers increases, and with further increase, some of them may burn out. In dark conditions, photon emission centers are visible with a bare eye. To visualize electron emission centers, emission electron microscopy is used. The conducted measurements allow comparison of the number and relative positions of electron and photon emission centers. It is shown that electrons and photons are emitted from the same centers.