Electron Conduction Properties of Thin Films of Muscovite Mica

摘要

Identification of the conduction mechanism through thin dielectric films as being Schottky emission of electrons from the cathode surface into polaron states in the conduc tion band of the insulator was attempted. Voltage-current characteristics through a vacuum cleaved crystalline muscovite mica film 1400A thick, sandwiched between evaporated metal electrodes, were made over a temperature range of 22 to 150C, which was the limit of the experimental apparatus. The results are discused and related in detail to previous relevant experimental work. The data suggest that a voltage-current characteristic at 200C could provide a check on the entire Schottky emission model. (Author)