Work

Unveiling single-electron tunneling in nanogranular ultrathin films for sensor applications via hyperspectral conductive AFM

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Exploring the electrical properties of nanogranular ultrathin Pd-ZrO2 films using conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) and developing a comprehensive I-V spectroscopy profile mark a significant breakthrough in sensor technology and nanoscale electronics. Our study meticulously maps the electrical behavior over a 7 × 7 μm2 sample, revealing nonlinear I-V characteristics indicative of single-electron tunneling. These characteristics, described by the Coulomb blockade power law I ~ (V - Vt)ξ with a scaling exponent ξ ~ 1.2, emerge once the threshold voltage (Vt) is exceeded. We model the nanogranular structure as a one-dimensional array of multitunnel junctions, demonstrating a linear relationship between Vt and the tunnel channel length. This research enhances our understanding of nanoscale electrical properties and paves the way for developing highly sensitive sensors.

Source: Materials Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.137932

Authors: Hicham Bakkali, Manuel Dominguez

Institutions: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad de Cádiz

Language: English

Topic: Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,540

Funder: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades