Junctions Induced in Germanium Surfaces by Transverse Electric Fields

Abstract

The surface conductance of germanium may be modulated by an external electric field. If the electrode used for applying the field does not cover the full extension of the specimen a boundary effect appears. In the presence of longitudinal currents the transition regions between the field-free and field-applied surfaces behave as junctions, giving rise to carrier concentration disturbances and also to rectification. The properties of a single field-induced junction have been investigated experimentally.