Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Junction

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter 1msm
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Junction
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on metal-semiconductor-metal (M-S-M) junctions, specifically involving a p-type semiconductor positioned between two similar metals. It highlights the formation of Schottky barriers and ohmic contacts in these junctions. The key question raised is whether electrons can tunnel directly between the metals when the semiconductor is only a few nanometers thick and properly biased. Participants confirm that significant tunneling is indeed possible under these conditions, suggesting the potential for using the p-type semiconductor to modulate its depletion width for switching applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of metal-semiconductor-metal (M-S-M) junctions
  • Knowledge of Schottky barriers and ohmic contacts
  • Familiarity with quantum tunneling principles
  • Basic concepts of semiconductor biasing and depletion width
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum tunneling in semiconductor devices
  • Explore the impact of depletion width modulation in p-type semiconductors
  • Study the design and applications of M-S-M junctions in electronic circuits
  • Investigate experimental setups for measuring tunneling effects in thin semiconductors
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, semiconductor physicists, and researchers working on advanced electronic devices, particularly those interested in tunneling phenomena and junction design.

1msm
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone,

Here i have metal-semiconductor-metal (M-S-M) junctions, p-type semiconductor
separating two similar metals.
M-S-M_zps0576103a.jpg

In above picture semiconductor forming schottky barriers with metals, While
in below picture these are ohmic contacts..
M-S-M-1_zps27864332.jpg

If assume that the semiconductor is very thin(few nanometers) and proper biasing
is applied,
Then is it possible for the electrons to tunnel directly from metal to metal..??
Or is there any indirect tunneling paths.?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Out of curiosity is this something you're working on as a personal project?
 
1msm said:
Hello everyone,

Here i have metal-semiconductor-metal (M-S-M) junctions, p-type semiconductor
separating two similar metals.
M-S-M_zps0576103a.jpg

In above picture semiconductor forming schottky barriers with metals, While
in below picture these are ohmic contacts..
M-S-M-1_zps27864332.jpg

If assume that the semiconductor is very thin(few nanometers) and proper biasing
is applied,
Then is it possible for the electrons to tunnel directly from metal to metal..??
Or is there any indirect tunneling paths.?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

If the semiconductor is thin enough then absolutely you can get a significant tunneling path. Is the idea to bias the p-type semicondutor to modulate its depletion width and create a switch?
 

Similar threads

Graduate Understanding the Charge Distribution at the Metal-Semiconductor Interface
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Back gating of Metal/Semiconductor junction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Dielectric loss of SiO2 layers.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Why Does Electron Flow Differ in Direction at a Metal-Semiconductor Junction?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Bulk and Slab electronic structure differences
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Undergrad Reverse Bias in P-N Junctions: Why Don't Electrons Diffuse Back?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Graduate Metal-semiconductor junction with p-type and n-type and varying work functions
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Graduate Understanding Band Bending at Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Graduate Avalanche photon detectors
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
451
Graduate Schottky Barrier: Effects of Semiconductor Width on Contact Potential
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K