Abstract
We present a detailed study of room-temperature current-voltage characteristics of Al- Al2 O3 -Ag junctions in which the Al electrode was treated by photolithography processing and chemical etching prior to the Al2 O3 layer growth. The I-V curves exhibit polarity-dependent irreversible conductance changes and regions of negative differential resistance. These phenomena take place only if the bias voltage exceeds 0.8 V. We discuss a qualitative mechanism for such behavior based on charge accumulation in traps present in the barrier, due to the chemical treatment.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 124502 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 97 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by the Israeli Science Foundation (Grant No. 326/02-3).