Dielectric effect on electric fields in the vicinity of the metal-vacuum-dielectric junction

► This work explains how a very strong electric field can be produced due to the dielectric in the vicinity of metal-dielectric contact. ► This work deals with configurations which enhance electric fields using the dielectric effect. The configuration is a type of junction at which metal, vacuum and dielectric meet. ► This work suggests the criterion to determine whether field enhancement occurs or not in the triple junction of metal, vacuum and dielectric. ► This work suggests that a quadruple junction is more effective in enhancing the electric field than a triple junction. The quadruple junction is formed by an additional vacuum portion to the triple junction. ► This work suggests that a triple junction can be a breakthrough candidate for a cold electron source.