Investigation of Near-Surface Electronic Properties in Semiconductors by Electron Beam Scanning.

Abstract

This document describes an electron-beam scanning system for investigating the nonuniformity of the work function, the position of the conduction-band edge with respect to the Fermi level, and the electron affinity at the surface of a single-crystal semiconductor. A small-diameter, low-energy electron beam is scanned over the surface to be investigated. The current collected by the surface for electron energies in the retarding-field region is related to the work function of the surface, whereas the current collected by the surface for electron energies in the accelerating-field region is related to the position of the conduction-band edge. The electron affinity is related to the combination of these relationships. Variations in the current collected by the surface for appropriately selected electron energies are used to provide a visual display of variations in these quantities.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 22, 1977
Accession Number
ADD004787

Entities

People

  • Arnold Shih
  • George A. Haas
  • Richard E. Thomas

Organizations

  • United States Department of the Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Conduction Bands
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Energy
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Energy Bands
  • Fermi Levels
  • Scanning
  • Semiconductors
  • Single Crystals
  • Work Functions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Solar Physics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics