Breakdowns in the Metal-Semimetal BiSb Point Contacts

Abstract

The current-voltage characteristics (CVC) and the breakdown effects in the metal-semimetal BiSb (bismuth and stibium alloys) point contacts have been investigated to determine the power rating of the radiation scattered by the sample. The CVCs of the contacts exhibit breakdowns provoking the appearance of the negative differential S-resistance areas. Based on the breakdown voltage magnitude one can determine the power rating of the radiation scattered by the sample.