Study of electron tunnelling through thin polymer films using a mercury probe technique

NABOK, A. V., MASSEY, J., BUTTLE, S. and RAY, A. (2004). Study of electron tunnelling through thin polymer films using a mercury probe technique. IEE Proceedings. Circuits, Devices and Systems, 151 (5), 461-465.

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Abstract

A non-destructive technique employing a mercury probe as a counter electrode was successfully developed in order to study the mechanism of charge transport through thin polymer films on silicon and aluminum substrates. The polyelectrolyte self-assembly technique was employed to form the organic films. Both DC and AC current-voltage characteristics were measured at room temperature. An exponential dependence of the tunnelling current on the film thickness was found, and a tunnelling coefficient of 3.3 x 10(-9) m(-1) was calculated. The observed voltage dependence was interpreted in terms of the model of a trapezoidal-triangular barrier. The peak in current-voltage characteristics of polymer films on aluminum substrates may be attributed to resonance tunnelling via surface states on the alumina/polymer film interface.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Materials and Engineering Research Institute > Advanced Coatings and Composites Research Centre > Electronic Materials and Sensors Research Group
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1049/ip-cds:20040994
Page Range:	461-465
Depositing User:	Ann Betterton
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2010 15:41
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 21:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/1420

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