An improved device, method, and system efficiently couple high-frequency
energy from radiation-assisted field emission. A radiation source
radiates an emitting surface with an electromagnetic field. The
electromagnetic field reduces the potential barrier at the emitting
surface, allowing electrons to tunnel from the surface. The tunneling
electrons produce a current. The electron tunneling current oscillates in
response to the oscillations of the electromagnetic field radiation. Two
or more electromagnetic fields of different frequencies radiate the
emitting surface, causing photomixing. The electron tunneling current
oscillates in response to the difference of the frequencies of the
electromagnetic fields.