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Thermofield Effects in Graphite-like Amorphous Carbon Films with Nanoscale Structure
Ekaterina N Muratova1, Igor A Vrublevsky2, Vyacheslav A Moshnikov1
1Microelectronics Department, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI", Professora Popova St., 5, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates graphite-like amorphous carbon films, revealing temperature-dependent charge transport mechanisms. Electrical properties were analyzed, showing transitions in conductivity and Schottky barrier behavior with increasing temperature.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Graphite-like amorphous carbon films possess unique electrical properties.
- Understanding charge transport mechanisms is crucial for electronic device applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and electrical properties of graphite-like amorphous carbon films.
- To analyze current-voltage characteristics and determine charge transport mechanisms across various temperatures.
- To calculate Schottky barrier height at the carbon film-nickel interface.
Main Methods:
- Electron-beam evaporation for film deposition.
- Vacuum heat treatment.
- Analysis of current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in weak and strong electric fields.
- Temperature-dependent electrical measurements from 25 °C to 155 °C.
- Schottky barrier height calculation.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct charge transport mechanisms: direct tunneling (25-45 °C, φb=0.055 eV), thermally assisted tunneling (55-75 °C, φb=0.076 eV), and thermionic emission (>85 °C, φb=0.3 eV).
- Established hopping conductivity mechanisms via localized states, influenced by Fermi level and band tail states.
- Observed increased conductivity in strong electric fields attributed to the Poole-Frenkel effect.
Conclusions:
- The electrical properties of graphite-like amorphous carbon films are strongly temperature-dependent.
- Charge transport is governed by tunneling and thermionic emission through the Schottky barrier, with specific temperature regimes.
- Hopping conductivity mechanisms and the Poole-Frenkel effect play significant roles in the overall conductivity of these films.
