Tunneling Electron Energies

In summary: How do you determine the energy of the transmitted electrons?How do you determine the energy of the transmitted electrons?Moderator's note: thread moved to Quantum Physics forum.Thanks Peter, sorry about that.I am not sure that this thread belongs in the Quantum Physics forum, since it seems to be asking for a classical explanation of the tunneling process. Perhaps it should be moved to the Classical Physics forum?
  • #1
PhilQ
12
2
If we have a MIM device of Ti/Nb2O5/Ti at room temperature (300K), with a measured barrier height(s) of 0.0eV, the insulator thickness is say 2nm, and let's call the electron affinity of Nb2O5 4eV, and the Work function of Ti 4eV (for the sake of a simplified question), what is the average / typical energies of electrons that tunnel through the insulator?

I am guessing there will be some wildly different answers.
 
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  • #3
Thanks Peter, sorry about that.
 
  • #4
PhilQ said:
with a measured barrier height(s) of 0.0eV

How did you "measure" a barrier height of 0.0 eV?
 
  • #5
Is there a formula you could apply?
 
  • #6
Lord Jestocost said:
How did you "measure" a barrier height of 0.0 eV?

I didn't but it is reported, not really the gist of the question though. Ti/Nb2O5/Ti has a close to zero total barrier height as measured by others.

I am coaxing for people to have a stab at the tunnelling electron energy, not expecting a precise answer but rather something like;

A. approx 0.0157eV
B. approx 4eV
C. definitely no idea

and then some sort of justification if A or B

This might look like 3 card monte, but it is serious.
 
  • #7
What is the energy of the incident electrons?
 

1. What is tunneling electron energy?

Tunneling electron energy refers to the energy of an electron as it passes through a potential barrier, such as an insulating material or a vacuum gap. This phenomenon is governed by the principles of quantum mechanics, and occurs when an electron has a high enough energy to overcome the potential barrier.

2. How is tunneling electron energy measured?

Tunneling electron energy can be measured using a technique called scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In STM, a sharp tip is brought very close to a surface, and a small voltage is applied between the tip and the surface. By measuring the current that flows between the tip and surface, the tunneling electron energy can be determined.

3. What are some applications of tunneling electron energy?

Tunneling electron energy has a wide range of applications in various fields. It is used in electronic devices such as transistors and diodes, as well as in scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It is also important in understanding the properties of materials at the nanoscale, and plays a role in the development of quantum computing.

4. How is tunneling electron energy related to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. In the case of tunneling electron energy, this principle is relevant because the electron's position is uncertain as it passes through the potential barrier, and its momentum changes due to the potential energy of the barrier.

5. Can tunneling electron energy be controlled?

Yes, tunneling electron energy can be controlled through the use of potential barriers. By adjusting the height and width of the barrier, the energy required for an electron to tunnel through can be changed. This allows for the manipulation and control of electron flow in electronic devices, making it an important concept in the field of nanotechnology.

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