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The multiple-image interactions and the mean-barrier approximation in MOM and MVM tunneling junctions

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Abstract

The effect of the multiple image interactions on theI–V characteristics and the reliability of the mean barrier approximation in calculating the current in MOM and MVM tunneling junctions are critically examined. It is demonstrated that the continued use of the uncorrected form of Simmons' original multiple-image force interaction in the analysis of tunneling junctions can lead to serious errors in both the current and the dynamic resistance. An extensive numerical analysis of planar junctions including the image potential suggests that the basic mean barrier approximation formulated by Simmons is essentially a thick barrier approximation. It also is shown that the conventional mean barrier approximation is a relatively poor approximation for the tunneling barriers of interest, and that it is not possible to establish a reliable a priori estimate of its range of validity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, 16802, University Park, PA, USA

    N. M. Miskovsky, P. H. Cutler & T. E. Feuchtwang

  2. Institut de Recherche sur les Interfaces Solides, Facultes Universitaires N. D. de la Paix, B-5000, Namur, Belgium

    A. A. Lucas

  3. Altoona Campus, 16603, Altoona, PA, USA

    N. M. Miskovsky

Authors
  1. N. M. Miskovsky
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  2. P. H. Cutler
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  3. T. E. Feuchtwang
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  4. A. A. Lucas
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Additional information

This research was supported in part by the NATO Research Grants Program, Grant No. 1902, Scientific Affairs Division, Brussels, Belgium

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Miskovsky, N.M., Cutler, P.H., Feuchtwang, T.E. et al. The multiple-image interactions and the mean-barrier approximation in MOM and MVM tunneling junctions. Appl. Phys. A 27, 139–147 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00616664

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00616664

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