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A contribution to the temperature dependence of the tunnel current of metal-dielectric-metal structures

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Czechoslovak Journal of Physics B Aims and scope

Abstract

Assuming the tunnel transfer of electrons, a general formula is derived for the current flowing between the metal electrodes of a metal-dielectric-metal structure. The formula is numerically solved for a rectangular barrier without image forces at absolute zero and several higher values of temperature. Though the temperature dependence of the tunnel current is very weak, it is possible to use it for determining the dielectric parameters. The metal-dielectric work function can be found from the maximum of the curvej T /j 0 vs.V, the thickness of the dielectric layer from the value ofj T /j 0 at zero voltage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronics and Vacuum Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Ke Karlovu 5, Prague 2, Czechoslovakia

    R. Hrach

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  1. R. Hrach
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Additional information

In concluding the author wishes to extend his sincere thanks to Dr. L. Eckertová for reading the manuscript and helping him in its preparation.

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Hrach, R. A contribution to the temperature dependence of the tunnel current of metal-dielectric-metal structures. Czech J Phys 18, 402–418 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01689842

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01689842

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