SCHOTTKY BARRIER Meaning and
Definition
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A Schottky barrier refers to the junction formed between a metal and a semiconductor material that exhibits rectifying behavior and is characterized by a barrier to current flow. It is named after the German physicist Walter H. Schottky, who extensively studied these phenomena during the early 20th century.
The Schottky barrier forms due to the differences in the Fermi levels of the metal and the semiconductor. In this configuration, the metal serves as one electrode while the semiconductor acts as the other electrode. When the metal is in contact with the semiconductor, a potential barrier is created at the interface that hinders the movement of charge carriers in one particular direction, resulting in rectification behavior. This rectifying behavior ensures that the current flows efficiently in only one direction, depending on the polarity of the applied voltage.
The Schottky barrier typically exhibits low capacitance and fast switching characteristics, making it an essential component in various electronic devices such as diodes, Schottky transistors, and integrated circuits. It finds applications in power rectification, high-frequency switching devices, and in photovoltaic cells.
Understanding and controlling the properties of the Schottky barrier is crucial in optimizing device performance and enhancing their efficiency. A deep understanding of the physics governing the Schottky barrier has paved the way for advancements in semiconductor technology, enabling the development of various electronic devices used in everyday life.
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Etymology of SCHOTTKY BARRIER
The term "Schottky barrier" is named after the German physicist Walter H. Schottky. He made significant contributions in the field of solid-state physics and is well-known for his work on semiconductor interfaces.
In the early 1930s, Schottky conducted experiments on the electrical behavior of metal-semiconductor junctions. He observed a rectifying behavior, where current flows more easily in one direction compared to the other. Schottky's studies laid the foundation for understanding the Schottky effect, which is the formation of a potential barrier at the metal-semiconductor interface.
In honor of his pioneering research and discoveries in this field, the term "Schottky barrier" was coined to describe the energy barrier that forms at the metal-semiconductor junction. This barrier plays a crucial role in the functionality of various electronic devices like diodes, transistors, and solar cells.
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