Effect of distance and temperature on tunnel current

[Logik]

Hi, I'm studying the effect of distance and temperature on tunneling current and I need to find information about it before... so if you guys can point me out links or articles... or just tell me what you guys know about it... I know the distance/current is an exponential function but I can't find anything else and I need to hand in theory before doing the expirements..

thank you in advance

 

[inha]

look up review articles on STM. I bet someone has studied the temperature effects. check rev. mod. phys., nucl. inst. meth. b and rev. sci. inst. for example.

 

[denian]

I can provide some information on the effect of distance and temperature on tunnel current. Tunneling current refers to the flow of electrons through a thin insulating barrier, known as a tunnel junction, between two conductors. This phenomenon is important in many fields such as quantum physics, electronics, and materials science.

First, let's discuss the effect of distance on tunnel current. As you mentioned, the relationship between distance and current is exponential. This means that as the distance between the two conductors decreases, the tunneling current increases rapidly. This is because the probability of electrons tunneling through the barrier is inversely proportional to the distance. In other words, the closer the two conductors are, the higher the chance of electrons passing through the barrier.

Next, let's look at the effect of temperature on tunnel current. Generally, as temperature increases, so does the tunneling current. This is because at higher temperatures, electrons have more energy and are more likely to overcome the potential barrier of the tunnel junction. However, at extremely low temperatures, the tunneling current can decrease due to quantum effects such as the suppression of thermal fluctuations.

It's also important to note that the type of material used for the tunnel junction can also affect the tunneling current. Different materials have different band structures, which can influence the probability of electrons tunneling through the barrier. Additionally, the thickness and composition of the barrier material can also impact the tunneling current.

In terms of resources, there are many articles and research papers available on the topic of tunnel current and its dependence on distance and temperature. Some potential sources to explore include academic databases such as Google Scholar or ScienceDirect, as well as textbooks on quantum mechanics or solid-state physics.

In conclusion, the distance and temperature have significant effects on tunnel current, and understanding these relationships is crucial for various applications in science and technology. I hope this information helps you in your studies and experiments. Best of luck!