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Morris J. Electron Transport in Discontinuous Metal Thin Films. NANO EXPRESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/ac550c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The structure and basic experimental electrical properties of vacuum evaporated discontinuous (island) metal thin films of discrete metal nanoparticles on insulating substrates are briefly reviewed. Then the widely accepted Neugebauer and Webb (N&W) electrostatically activated electron tunneling conduction model is covered (with enhancements) before the numerous discrepancies between this model and experimental observations are identified, e.g. minimal substrate bias effect, non-linear field distribution, anomalous AC effects, asymmetrical contact effects, and switching. A modified model, based on contact electron injection and extraction, and computer simulations are introduced which explain these discrepancies at a qualitative level. However, quantitative experimental verification of the model is not possible without stable, reproducible films of known structures. The paper concludes with a review of possible preparation techniques which could yield satisfactory samples, especially self-assembly of organically protected metal nanoparticles. One of these has already demonstrated electrostatically activated conduction.
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Castellanos-Gomez A, Rubio-Bollinger G, Garnica M, Barja S, Vázquez de Parga AL, Miranda R, Agraït N. Highly reproducible low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy with in situ prepared tips. Ultramicroscopy 2012; 122:1-5. [PMID: 22955323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2012.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Castellanos-Gomez
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada (C-III), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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