Metals and semiconductors at high bias

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the electrical behavior of metals and semiconductors under high voltage bias, specifically exploring how conductivity changes as voltage increases from low to high bias levels, such as 2-3V. Participants seek to understand whether the current-voltage relationship is linear or follows a different model, such as a power law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about established theories regarding the electrical behavior of metals and semiconductors under high voltage bias.
  • Another participant requests clarification on whether the discussion pertains to specific devices or just general behavior of metals under bias.
  • A participant specifies the scenario of a copper wire connected by source-drain electrodes and questions the linearity of current with respect to voltage in both metals and semiconductors.
  • Reference is made to the Bloch Gruneisen relationship for temperature dependence of current, with a request for insights on voltage dependence.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the Bloch Gruneisen relations and hopes for further contributions from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the topic of interest, but there is uncertainty regarding the specifics of the question and the theoretical framework, with no consensus on the behavior of current under high voltage bias.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the definitions of terms used, such as "metal under bias," and does not resolve the assumptions regarding the behavior of current in metals versus semiconductors under high voltage conditions.

elionix
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Hello,

Is there a well known theory on how metals and semiconductors should behave, electrically, while under a high voltage bias? Say, 2-3V? For example, how does the conductivity change as a function of voltage bias as we go from the low bias regime into high bias? Is there a linear dependence or is it described by a power law?

Thank you!
 
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Your question is unclear. Are you talking about devices? Which ones? What does it mean to have a "metal under bias"?
 
Not devices, just a metal connected by source drain electrodes, for example.

Take a 1um diameter copper wire and sweep the potential from 0V to 3V. Will the current have a linear dependence on voltage? What about a semiconductor?

For example, theory wise, the dependence of current on temperature can be described by the Bloch Gruneisen relationship, but I was hoping for more insight on current dependence on voltage.
 
Last edited:
does my question make sense?
 
Yes, but I'm not familiar enough with Bloch Gruniesen relations, etc. to answer it. I'm hoping someone else will chime in.
 

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