Generalized Theory of Electrical Conductivity and Current Noise for Discontinuous Metal Films Over aWide Range of Temperatures

[摘要] A complete discussion with an extension to the high temperature range of the main results of a recent theory1onthe electrical conduction and current noise in discontinuous metal films is given. In this theory the main conductionmechanism is a direct-tunnelling process of the electrons between metal islands within the insulator substrate. Thetunnelling electrons must overcome a potential barrier which is temperature dependent. The model assumes thatthe electrons trapped in surface states can tunnel in the metal states giving rise to a double charge layer at theinterface. The current noise is generated by a modulation mechanism of the carrier direct tunnelling due to thermalfluctuation of the potential barrier height, generated by a corresponding fluctuation of the surface charge.Experimental results for the conductivity and current noise behaviour on Au film deposited on sapphire tube arealso given up to a temperature of about 950 K, and interpreted on the basis of the above theory.

[学科分类] 工程和技术（综合）