Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Junction

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In summary, the conversation discusses metal-semiconductor-metal junctions with a p-type semiconductor separating two similar metals. The use of proper biasing on a thin semiconductor can lead to direct electron tunneling between the two metals, potentially allowing for the creation of a switch. The participants also express interest in the topic and ask for additional information and insights.
  • #1
1msm
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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!
 
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  • #2
Out of curiosity is this something you're working on as a personal project?
 
  • #3
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?
 

What is a metal-semiconductor-metal junction?

A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) junction is a type of electronic device that consists of two metal contacts on opposite sides of a semiconductor material. The metal contacts act as electrodes and allow for the flow of electrical current through the semiconductor material.

How does a metal-semiconductor-metal junction work?

The metal-semiconductor-metal junction works by creating a barrier between the two metal contacts and the semiconductor material. This barrier, known as the Schottky barrier, restricts the flow of electrons between the metal and semiconductor and allows for the control of electrical current through the device.

What are the applications of a metal-semiconductor-metal junction?

Metal-semiconductor-metal junctions have a wide range of applications in electronic devices, including photodetectors, solar cells, and high-speed electronic switches. They are also used in optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes.

What are the advantages of using a metal-semiconductor-metal junction?

Metal-semiconductor-metal junctions offer several advantages, including high switching speeds, low power consumption, and high sensitivity to light. They also have a simple structure, making them easy to fabricate and integrate into electronic circuits.

What materials are commonly used for metal-semiconductor-metal junctions?

The metal contacts used in a metal-semiconductor-metal junction are typically made of materials such as gold, silver, or platinum. The semiconductor material can vary, but commonly used materials include silicon, gallium arsenide, and indium phosphide.

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