RESEARCH ON THIN FILM INSULATORS.
Abstract
Efforts were continued on a study to investigate the conduction mecahnisms in very thin insulating films with emphasis on producing tunnel electrons at room temperature. Aa investigation of electron emission into vacuum from a metal-insulator-metal thin film sandwiches was initiated during this period. It is planned to use the energy distribution of the emitted electrons to distinguish tunnel electrons from other hot electrons. Emission was observed from Al-SiO2-Au and Al-SiO2-Al structures 45-85 A thick. The hgihest emission current was 2 microampers from a 5 square millimeter area. When voltage is applied, these sandwiches experience an activation process which ultimately increases the conductivity of the insulation film by many orders of magnitude. Activation appears to increase the emission current. A continuous decrease in sample capacitance with inreasing activation suggests that activation is more intense in localized areas of the insulation film. Field induced diffusion of the positive electrode into the insulation layer is being considered as an important mechanism of activation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 25, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0424628
Entities
People
- A. E. Cahill
- J. M. Blank
- S. W. Ing
- V. A. Russell
- W. J. Van Der Grinten
Organizations
- General Electric