Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Ultrasound Velocity Measurement in a Liquid Metal Electrode
Published on: August 5, 2015
Giant metal compression at liquid-solid (Pb-Si, In-Si) Schottky junctions
H Reichert1, M Denk, J Okasinski
1Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung, Heisenbergstrasse 3, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
Using a high-energy x-ray transmission-reflection scheme we have studied the density profile of solid-liquid Schottky contacts close to the interface. We found a massive disturbance of the electronic system on the liquid metal side at different interfaces with pronounced density anomalies on a new length scale. The liquid metal at the interface forms a strongly compressed layer followed by a density depleted layer. The experimental evidence points to a charge transfer phenomenon in the metallic system. Control experiments performed at a metal-insulator interface confirm this picture.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
Schottky Barriers
Schottky barriers arise when a metal with a work function (Φm) contacts a semiconductor with a different work function (Φs). Initially, electrons transfer until the Fermi levels of the metal and semiconductor align at equilibrium. For instance, if Φm > Φs, the semiconductor Fermi level is higher than the metal's before contact. The semiconductor's...
Schottky Barrier Diode
Biasing of Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
In Schottky junctions, where the semiconductor is n-type, applying a positive voltage to the metal relative to the semiconductor reduces its Fermi...
The Electrical Double Layer
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I

