Better than a Schottky?

Advance could change modern electronics: High-performance 'metal-insulator-metal' diode created

Obviously written by a PR firm with no concept of what is out there. Still, the new device is interesting.

 

The more coherent part of the article makes it sound like an altered tunnel diode. Hard to say if there is any general application for the device.

 

It looks like the main use is in nantenna arrays as light frequency rectifiers.
Seems a new (better) way to make a old diode.
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy03osti/33263.pdf

 

Sounds interesting.

Seems like a modified/hybrid from the PIN diode structure.

If "ordinary metals" are used, I am wondering what the major changes are to keep it from being a capacitor. Metal type or insulator material?

 

Sounds interesting.

Seems like a modified/hybrid from the PIN diode structure.

If "ordinary metals" are used, I am wondering what the major changes are to keep it from being a capacitor. Metal type or insulator material?

I think the nanoscale device is so small the capacitance is in the attofarad scale. I did a search and found some early fab process information using several metals.
http://ecee.colorado.edu/~moddel/QEL/Papers/EliassonThesis.pdf

 

Also found here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101029152751.htm

Best regards,

/Clay

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/

Interesting, direct competition for physorg.com