A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction

We study the current density-voltage (J − V) characteristics of dissimilar metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanoscale tunneling junctions using a self-consistent quantum model. The model includes emissions from both cathode and anode, and the effects of image charge potential, space charge and exchange c...

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Main Authors: Sneha Banerjee, Peng Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2019-08-01
Series:AIP Advances
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.5116204
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author Sneha Banerjee
Peng Zhang
author_facet Sneha Banerjee
Peng Zhang
author_sort Sneha Banerjee
collection DOAJ
description We study the current density-voltage (J − V) characteristics of dissimilar metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanoscale tunneling junctions using a self-consistent quantum model. The model includes emissions from both cathode and anode, and the effects of image charge potential, space charge and exchange correlation potential. The J − V curves span three regimes: direct tunneling, field emission, and space-charge-limited regime. Unlike similar MIM junctions, the J − V curves are polarity dependent. The forward (higher work function metal is negatively biased) and reverse (higher work function metal is positively biased) bias J − V curves and their crossover behaviors are examined in detail for various regimes, over a wide range of material properties (work function of the electrodes, electron affinity and permittivity of the insulator). It is found that the asymmetry between the current density profiles increases with the work function difference between the electrodes, insulator layer thickness and relative permittivity of the insulator. This asymmetry is profound in the field emission regime and insignificant in the direct tunneling, and space charge limited regimes.
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spelling doaj.art-0f0b75f2ed46491f9e41c8cba1c6c1b12022-12-22T03:54:44ZengAIP Publishing LLCAIP Advances2158-32262019-08-0198085302085302-610.1063/1.5116204008908ADVA generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junctionSneha Banerjee0Peng Zhang1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1226, USADepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1226, USAWe study the current density-voltage (J − V) characteristics of dissimilar metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanoscale tunneling junctions using a self-consistent quantum model. The model includes emissions from both cathode and anode, and the effects of image charge potential, space charge and exchange correlation potential. The J − V curves span three regimes: direct tunneling, field emission, and space-charge-limited regime. Unlike similar MIM junctions, the J − V curves are polarity dependent. The forward (higher work function metal is negatively biased) and reverse (higher work function metal is positively biased) bias J − V curves and their crossover behaviors are examined in detail for various regimes, over a wide range of material properties (work function of the electrodes, electron affinity and permittivity of the insulator). It is found that the asymmetry between the current density profiles increases with the work function difference between the electrodes, insulator layer thickness and relative permittivity of the insulator. This asymmetry is profound in the field emission regime and insignificant in the direct tunneling, and space charge limited regimes.http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.5116204
spellingShingle Sneha Banerjee
Peng Zhang
A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
AIP Advances
title A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
title_full A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
title_fullStr A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
title_full_unstemmed A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
title_short A generalized self-consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal-insulator-metal junction
title_sort generalized self consistent model for quantum tunneling current in dissimilar metal insulator metal junction
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.5116204
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